Flight Test 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. 

We’re seeking a talented, fast-learning individual to join our team as a Flight Test Engineer, playing a pivotal role in advancing Ursa Major’s mission and supporting both internal and customer-driven flight campaigns. This role is essential in ensuring success from product delivery and contract execution through to the final stages of flight operations.

As a Flight Test Engineer, you’ll serve as the on-site technical authority regarding Ursa Major’s hypersonic products, supporting system integration, operations, testing, and flight for customer programs, while also contributing to the development and execution of Ursa Major's own flight initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge technology, solve complex challenges, and act as a key liaison between customers and internal teams.

Responsibilities:

• Support integration, checkouts, and static fire testing of hypersonic vehicles and propulsion
• Ensure Test-Like-You-Fly practices during ground operations at our Berthoud campus
• Author and execute procedures for checkouts, propellant load, and hotfire operations
• Support the ground and flight operations of Ursa Major’s missions
• Participate in data review, failure investigations, and sequence preparation for static fire testing and flight
• Coordinate with test ranges and external agencies to plan and execute flight test campaigns
• Lead customer status updates and milestone reviews for both programmatic and technical content
• Present and provide technical review in customer meetings and integration reviews
• Become a subject matter expert on Ursa Major’s hypersonic vehicle and propulsion systems
• Travel to customer sites to lead product integration, support checkouts, and assist in test and flight campaigns
• Conduct system data review to support fast-paced customer test campaigns
• Troubleshoot system and component hardware issues in the field, develop solutions with the Ursa team and customer, and lead implementation
• Identify and implement product improvements focused on customer needs, risk reduction, and end-use

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. in Engineering
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Passion for developing customer relationships and ensuring mission success
• Attention to detail, curiosity, and relentless in resolving problems
• Hands-on experience with aerospace hardware
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, startup environment
• Willing to spend 30% of the year on travel for multi-week test and flight campaigns

Desired Experience:

• Master's degree in Engineering
• Technical expertise in liquid rocket engine manufacturing, integration, or test
• Technical expertise in vehicle stage systems and propulsion fluid systems
• Flight or test operational experience
• Strong understanding of aerospace industry standards and requirements
• Experience in systems engineering and requirements verification
• Experience in a mission assurance role
• Demonstrated leadership in a customer-facing role
• Experience working with range requirements for flight test campaigns

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $90,000 - $110,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we are evaluating individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you and see if you are a great fit for our team. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy. 

Classification: Full-time Exempt