Senior Mission Engineer

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.

The Senior Mission Engineer will lead the external success of SRM products that leave the Ursa Major campus (or other sub campuses). As a Mission Engineer, you will be planning and executing flight campaigns, motor qualification campaigns, offsite energetic material testing, motor integration, verification, and validation (IV&V). To support these missions, you will interface with various external industry partners, conducting hot fire motor/engine tests, participate in data reviews, support troubleshooting efforts related to motor/engine tests, drive rocket motor/engine test campaign success, and interface with all relevant internal disciplines to bring those expertise into the field all while advocating and protecting the Ursa Major brand and reputation when conducting operations in the field.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as point of contact between Ursa Major and customer program manager/flight test lead

Shape test objectives, oversee execution, interpret results, comply with test range requirements and communicate clear technical insights to customers

Ensure execution of and compliance with test plans, qualification requirements and hardware work instructions developed by Ursa Major and customers while complying with external test range SOPs

Generate and track program mission objectives/milestones and assist in the technical validation of program milestones and adherence of those objectives throughout the program lifecycle

Support complex motor/engine operations, including test stand readiness, system checkouts, instrumentation troubleshooting, and field diagnostics

Generate internal qualification test plans/procedures that follow the program qualification plan and comply with systems engineering to satisfy product requirements

Obtain and provide data to SRM safety team for the generation of hazardous shipping documentation of SRM products (i.e.: IHC, FHC, EX) and facilitate the submission process

Operate and modify launcher platform systems and understand how systems interact with ignition chain of motor/engine

Support and assist the energetics team in the handling, planning, and execution of testing both on and offsite in support of energetic material classification testing

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field

4+ years of mission operations, test engineer, or other relevant experience

Ability to earn trust, build rapport and maintain positive and professional relationships with cross-functional stakeholders and customers

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment

Working knowledge of and hands-on experience with electrical, fluid, and mechanical systems

Willing to spend up to 50% of the year on travel for multi-week test and flight campaigns

Desired Experience

Master’s degree in a relevant technical discipline

Experience interfacing with DoD programs and partners

Experience with hazardous operations and system safety

Experience with qualification efforts on aerospace systems or DoD platforms

SRM or other propulsion system design, development, or test

Technical expertise in liquid and/or solid rocket motor/engine manufacturing, integration, or test

Ability to be eligible and maintain eligibility for a Secret Clearance

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $120,000 - $150,000, 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 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

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.

NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role. Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents). Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. We’re an equal-opportunity employer. You will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. No outside recruiters, please.