Senior 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 an accomplished, fast-learning individual to join our team as a Senior Flight Test Engineer, driving Ursa Major’s mission and supporting both internal and customer-driven flight campaigns. This senior-level role is critical in ensuring success from product delivery and contract execution through to the final stages of flight operations, while mentoring junior engineers and leading project teams.

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer, you’ll serve as the on-site technical authority regarding Ursa Major’s hypersonic products, taking ownership of system integration, operations, testing, and flight for customer programs, and contributing significantly to the strategy, 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 critical liaison between customers and internal teams, while also providing technical leadership and direction to others.

Responsibilities:

• Lead integration, checkouts, and static fire testing of hypersonic vehicles and propulsion systems
• Champion Test-Like-You-Fly practices during ground operations at our Berthoud campus and during range operations
• Author, review, and execute procedures for checkouts, propellant load, and hotfire operations
• Lead and support ground and flight operations with a strong emphasis on safety for Ursa Major’s missions, including overseeing other test engineers, operators, and technicians
• Guide data review, failure investigations, and sequence preparation for static fire testing and flight
• Coordinate with test ranges and external agencies to plan and execute complex flight test campaigns while complying with regulatory and range safety requirements
• Lead customer status updates and milestone reviews for both programmatic and technical content
• Present and provide technical review in customer meetings, integration reviews, and internal technical deep-dives
• Serve as a subject matter expert on Ursa Major’s hypersonic vehicle and propulsion systems
• Troubleshoot complex system and component hardware issues in the field, developing effective solutions with the Ursa team and customer, and lead implementation efforts
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced team members; contribute to best practices and training resources

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. in Engineering
• 5+ years of relevant experience in aerospace systems integration, test, or flight operations
• Demonstrated team leadership and/or project management experience in technical environments
• Passion for developing customer relationships and ensuring mission success
• Unwavering attention to detail, curiosity, and relentless in resolving complex problems
• Substantial hands-on experience with aerospace hardware and test environments
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment, adapting to evolving priorities
• 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
• Direct flight or test operational experience
• Deep understanding of aerospace industry standards and requirements
• Experience in systems engineering and requirements verification
• Experience in a mission assurance role
• Significant leadership in customer-facing and/or multi-disciplinary technical teams
• Experience managing and leading engineering teams through test campaigns and complex projects
• Experience working with range requirements for flight test campaigns
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or training other engineers

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $121,000 - $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