Lab Technician, Energetics

Socket.dev; Berthoud (CO); On-site; USD 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401k with Company Match

Equity Grants in the Company

Job summary

Ursa Major seeks a Laboratory Technician (Energetics) to support solid rocket motor material analysis. The role involves operating analytical equipment, maintaining procedures, and ensuring safety in energetic material work.

You will collaborate with propulsion and analysis teams to deliver accurate data and improve characterization workflows. The ideal candidate has 2+ years in chemistry or materials testing, with proficiency in analytical instruments and data management, and a clear commitment

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in a chemistry or materials testing lab.
• Strong data collection and analysis skills with attention to detail.
• Familiarity with safety protocols for handling hazardous energetic materials.

Responsibilities

• Install, operate, and maintain analytical hardware and instrumentation.
• Develop procedures, calibration curves, and data databases for analyses.
• Prepare records and reports of analytical procedures, metadata, and results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prioritize objectives and communicate findings.

Skills

Laboratory technique

Data analysis

Safety practices

SOP comprehension

Analytical instrumentation software

Tools

FTIR

Thermal analysis

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.

Ursa Major is addressing a critical shortfall in the U.S. industrial base and bring a new model to aerospace and defense systems: we design and manufacture the world’s leading propulsion systems for space, hypersonic applications, and missile systems.

Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team – a team that will mold tomorrow’s technologies while deploying today’s best. We are a motivated team that has a passion for solving problems and empowering each other every day to develop our skills, knowing that there is always room for growth.

Laboratory Technician (Energetics)

Position Overview:

We are looking for a skilled and motivated laboratory technician to support analysis of solid rocket motor production materials. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with analytical chemistry and/or materials characterization instrumentation as well as a strong commitment to safety and quality. This role involves assisting in the setup, operation, and maintenance of analytical equipment designated for energetics characterization. This position will be trained to handle energetic/explosive materials.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work cohesively with the solid rocket motor propellant development and analysis team to install, upkeep, and manage analytical hardware and instrumentation.
• Operate and calibrate analytical instrumentation: assist in developing analytical procedures, calibration curves, failure envelopes, test standards, analytical results databases, etc.
• Assist with energetic and inert articles for analysis, maintain chemical inventories, and assist with chemical procurement.

Safety Compliance:

• Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures for working with energetic materials, including proper handling, storage, and disposal.
• Participate in safety briefings and training sessions to stay updated on best practices and safety regulations.
• Report any safety hazards or incidents immediately to the laboratory manager and/or Environmental Health and Safety and assist in incident investigations and corrective actions.

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Assist in establishing procedures to accurately collect, analyze, and interpret characterization data.
• Participate in analysis and results discussions/meetings. Assist in presenting relevant anomalies or issues and that may impact development efforts.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notation, adhere to analytical data management and governance best practices

Maintenance:

• Assist in routine maintenance and calibration schedules for analytical instrumentation to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Troubleshoot and resolve instrumentation issues, coordinate with vendors or internal teams for more complex issues.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Prepare and maintain detailed records of analytical procedures, metadata, anomalies, and results.
• Assist in the preparation of analytical characterization reports, including summarizing data and highlighting key findings.
• Ensure compliance with all documentation standards and quality control procedures.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with energetics development and production team, quality, and management to ensure prioritization of key objectives are reporting.
• Communicate effectively with team members; cross-functional and direct, to maintain efficiency and productivity.

Requirements:

• Experience: Preferred minimum of 2 years of experience in a chemistry or mechanical/materials testing laboratory performing structured analytical work, data collection, data analysis.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with general chemical analysis equipment such as auto‑titration, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, as well as, destructive and non‑destructive material testing. Understanding of safety protocols for handling hazardous materials. Ability to read, write, and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Skills: Strong laboratory technique and hygiene practices. The ability to think critically. Proficiency with data analysis software, analytical instrumentation software, Microsoft Office suite, and experience presenting analytical results. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Certifications: Analytical chemistry or material characterization certifications are a plus.
• Other: Ability to work in a high‑pace environment with a focus on safety and precision.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and perform physical tasks related to test setups and equipment handling.
• Ability to work in environments with varying temperatures and conditions, including outdoor and controlled test environments.

Work Environment:

• The position involves working in office, test facilities, and laboratories which may include exposure to hazardous materials and conditions. Strict adherence to safety protocols and procedures is mandatory.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $24.04 - $33.65 hourly, 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 Non-Exempt

Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for 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 - 401k with Company Match
• Equity Grants in the Company

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.