Flight Test Engineer
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