The future of aerospace and defense starts here.
Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how America and its allies access and apply high-performance propulsion, from hypersonics to solid rocket motors, satellite maneuvering and launch. We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands.
Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team. A team that will mold tomorrow’s technologies while deploying today’s best. We are an intrinsically motivated team that has a passion for solving problems and empowering each other every day to develop our skills, knowing that there is always room for growth.
Ursa Major is seeking a hands-on, safety-conscious Test Technician to support the development and execution of liquid rocket engine tests. This role is critical in fabricating liquid rocket engine test stand systems, assembling test hardware, maintaining infrastructure, and working closely with engineers to execute hotfire test campaigns. If you're mechanically inclined and thrive in dynamic, high-stakes settings, this role offers a direct path to contributing to bleeding-edge rocket engine development.
Responsibilities:
Test Infrastructure Build & Maintenance:
- Fabricate or modify fluid systems, mechanical hardware, fixtures, and tooling to support test activities
- Operate hand tools, power tools, lifts, and other heavy equipment (with proper training or certification) to assemble or disassemble test infrastructure
- Perform regular maintenance, calibration, and repair of support equipment, sensors, plumbing, and tooling
- Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and readiness of workshops and test stands to ensure safe and efficient operations
Test Preparation & Execution:
- Operate and maintain test systems, including mechanical structures, fluid systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition hardware
- Collaborate with engineers to prepare for hotfire testing by installing test articles, ground support equipment, and instrumentation
- Execute test procedures, perform system checks, and troubleshoot real-time issues during testing
- Document test results, inspections, and maintenance logs in a clear and traceable format
Safety Discipline:
- Demonstrate extreme attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols when fabricating and operating hazardous fluid systems
- Attend safety briefings and contribute to ongoing hazard identification and mitigation efforts
- Maintain all required training and certifications
Continuous Improvement & Cross-Functional Support:
- Support engineering, operations, and test teams in meeting program objectives
- Assist with infrastructure upgrades and process improvements to enhance test efficiency and reliability
- Provide occasional support to build support equipment or integration tasks outside the test area
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 2+ years of experience working with mechanical systems, test operations, or hands-on work in aerospace, automotive, or related environments
- Proven ability to operate and maintain mechanical equipment, tools, or fluid systems
Preferred Experience:
- Associate’s degree in Engineering Technology, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- Experience with propulsion systems, hazardous materials, cryogenics, or explosives
- Familiarity with test instrumentation (e.g., pressure sensors, thermocouples, strain gauges, load cells)
- Certifications in HAZMAT, OSHA, or explosive material handling
- Experience with CAD, ERP systems, or data acquisition platforms
- Skills in welding, machining, hydraulic plumbing, fluid system fabrication, or crane/rigging operations
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform manual labor in both indoor and outdoor environments
- Willingness to work in loud, dusty, or extreme temperature conditions
- Availability for off-shift or weekend work based on program schedules
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $29.00 - $36.50, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.
Classification: Full-time Non-Exempt
Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for benefits)
- Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
- Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
- Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
- Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
- EAP Program
- Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match
- Equity Grants in the Company
How To Apply:
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by filling out the application below and clicking "Submit Application". This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.
Skills Required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 2+ years of experience working with mechanical systems, test operations, or hands-on work in aerospace, automotive, or related environments
- Proven ability to operate and maintain mechanical equipment, tools, or fluid systems
- Maintain all required training and certifications
- Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident)
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform manual labor in indoor and outdoor environments
- Willingness to work off-shift or weekend work based on program schedules
- Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- Experience with propulsion systems, hazardous materials, cryogenics, or explosives
- Familiarity with test instrumentation (pressure sensors, thermocouples, strain gauges, load cells)
- Certifications in HAZMAT, OSHA, or explosive material handling
- Experience with CAD, ERP systems, or data acquisition platforms
- Skills in welding, machining, hydraulic plumbing, fluid system fabrication, or crane/rigging operations
What the Team is Saying
Ursa Major Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is structured with an unlimited PTO policy plus two companywide paid breaks (mid‑summer and year‑end), creating predictable downtime alongside flexibility. Company holidays and shutdowns are consistently highlighted across employer materials and third‑party profiles.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life/AD&D, and short‑term disability, with mental‑health resources also noted. These elements appear on the company’s careers page and are echoed by external listings.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental and adoptive leave are emphasized, alongside family supports such as an onsite Mother’s Room and company‑sponsored family events. External profiles characterize the parental offering as generous.
Ursa Major Insights
What We Do
Ursa Major was founded to address a critical shortfall in the U.S. industrial base and bring a new model to aerospace and defense systems: we design and manufacture the world’s leading propulsion systems for space, hypersonic applications, and missile systems. Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team – a team that will mold tomorrow’s technologies while deploying today’s best. We are an intrinsically motivated team that has a passion for solving problems and empowering each other every day to develop our skills, knowing that there is always room for growth.
Why Work With Us
We believe that each unique team member fuels the creativity necessary to build the world’s best propulsion systems. This is realized as a deeply held commitment to celebrating individuality, hiring talent across all backgrounds and experiences, building a culture of inclusion, and constantly challenging ourselves to improve.
Gallery
Ursa Major Offices
OnSite Workspace
Most employees work on-site with some positions allowing hybrid and/or remote work.
