Development Technician - Energetics

Ursa Major; Berthoud (CO); On-site; USD 28,929 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Retirement Savings Plan – 401(k) with Company Match

Job summary

Ursa Major in Berthoud, Colorado is seeking a Development Technician to join their team dedicated to innovative propulsion solutions. This role involves full-scale propellant mixing and ensuring safety practices in the manufacturing environment. Ideal candidates will have a safety-first mindset and the ability to work with hazardous materials.

Responsibilities include milling and maintaining equipment while ensuring a clean workspace. The position offers opportunities for process improvement, with a focus on quality and team collaboration.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of relevant experience in manufacturing or chemical processing.
• Able to operate and troubleshoot development control software.
• Demonstrates compliance with standard operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform full-scale propellant mixing for production and development.
• Assemble and maintain milling equipment for full-scale mixes.
• Maintain a clean workspace that meets FOD standards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Safety-oriented mindset

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Basic computer skills

Job description

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.

As Ursa Major expands into the realm of solid propulsion, we’re assembling the most innovative and nimble team to unseat the reigning players. We’re applying the latest technologies to an outdated business model that improves cost, lead time, and flexibility without impacting reliability. We must continue to build in-house capabilities in energetics, ballistics, and composites with an emphasis on novel designs focused on manufacturability and high‑rate scalability.

Success in this role requires a safety‑first approach, a willingness and desire to learn, and an attention‑to‑detail mindset. As a part of the development technician team, you will be a key component of the energetics manufacturing process. You will be responsible for the production and transportation/storage of energetic materials.

As a development technician, you will be responsible for identifying process improvements and solving problems as they appear. Ability to provide engineers and other operations team members with valuable feedback will allow for quick scalability and growth.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Full‑scale propellant mixing – Prepares materials and performs full‑scale mixing for all production and development programs, confirming acceptable weights prior to releasing the materials to mixing and casting operations. Also performs full‑scale mixes for new programs/new formulations as they are introduced to the site; requisitions and organizes the materials and processing required for the mix, and cleans and maintains full‑scale mix equipment under general direction of engineer and team supervisor.
• Milling – Assembles mills and mill materials for full‑scale propellant mixes and weighs material bins to correct weight for propellant mixing. Responsible for disassembly, cleaning, and re‑assembly of full‑scale milling equipment.
• Other duties as assigned – Such as, but not limited to: AP prep for milling, final assembly of prototype energetic articles, development sample preparation, and support of new production initiatives and schedules.
• Maintains a clean and organized space that passes FOD critical standards.
• Able to follow and develop a preventative maintenance schedule with the assistance of engineering or chief technician.
• Willing and available to work other shifts or overtime as needed to meet production schedules.
• Able to work from elevated platforms, ascend ladders, and transport 35 lbs. repetitively.
• Medically cleared to wear a respirator and operate powered industrial vehicle (and obtain company issued license as appropriate).

Required Qualifications

• Safety‑oriented mindset with a high focus on quality and production processes.
• Attention to detail and situational awareness.
• Experience working with hazardous chemicals beyond standard solvents and cleaners.
• 0–2 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, chemical, or pharmaceutical processing environment.
• Able to lift 50 lbs without assistance.
• Able to operate and troubleshoot development control software with engineering assistance.
• Basic computer skills and ability to communicate using multiple electronic platforms.
• Demonstrates compliance with standard operating procedures and job‑specific directions.
• Self‑starter with a desire to improve and work across a team environment.
• Ability to get and maintain a CDLE Type I explosives permit (employer sponsored).

Desired Qualifications

• Willing and available to work other shifts and overtime to meet production schedules.
• Run automated equipment in a highly controlled environment.
• Experience in energetics manufacturing or processing.
• Process documentation and development.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $21.00–$26.00/hour, 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 Non‑Exempt.

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 – 401(k) with Company Match
• Equity Grants in the Company

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.