Senior Flight Test Engineer
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