Senior Test Technician

Ursa Major; Berthoud (CO); On-site; USD 74,256 - 92,040; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Parental leave

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Disability coverage

Equity grants

Job summary

Ursa Major seeks a senior, hands-on Test Technician to lead test-site infrastructure build-out and maintenance, and to execute static-fire campaigns for solid rocket motors with precision. You will ensure safety, rig test articles and instrumentation, and collaborate across engineering and test operations.

The role requires 4–8 years in aerospace/defense environments, strong mechanical fabrication skills, and the ability to obtain ATF explosive permits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 4–8 years of experience in test operations, industrial/facility maintenance, or mechanical fabrication in aerospace, defense, or heavy industry.
• Strong skills in mechanical systems, piping/plumbing, welding, or fabrication.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve infrastructure or GSE issues independently.
• Ability to obtain explosive permits from the ATF and Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the build-out, modification, and maintenance of test stands, fluid panels, control systems, mechanical fixtures, and facility utilities.
• Set the tone for cleanliness, organization, and readiness standards for tools, workshops, and test stands to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Fabricate or modify mechanical hardware, fixtures, and tooling to support test activities.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, lifts, and other heavy equipment to assemble or disassemble test infrastructure.
• Perform regular maintenance, calibration, and repair of support equipment, sensors, plumbing, and tooling; troubleshoot faults that impact test readiness.
• Support facility upgrades and layout planning alongside engineering and test operations.
• Operate and maintain test systems, including mechanical structures, fluid systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition hardware.
• Collaborate with engineers to prepare for static fires by installing test articles, ground support equipment, and instrumentation.
• Execute test procedures, perform system checks, and troubleshoot real-time issues during testing.
• Document test results, inspections, and maintenance logs in a clear and traceable format.
• Hold the broader team accountable to high safety standards.
• Demonstrate extreme attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols when handling energetic materials.
• Attend safety briefings and lead hazard identification and mitigation efforts.
• Maintain all required training and certifications, including explosives safety.

Skills

Test operations

Industrial maintenance

Mechanical fabrication

Troubleshooting

Explosives permits

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in Engineering Technology

Tools

CAD

Maintenance documentation tools

Job description

Senior Test Technician – Solid Rocket Motors

Ursa Major is seeking a senior-level, hands‑on, safety‑conscious Test Technician with a dual focus: leading test site infrastructure and equipment build‑out and maintenance; executing static fire campaigns for solid rocket motors with precision and urgency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the build‑out, modification, and maintenance of test stands, fluid panels, control systems, mechanical fixtures, and facility utilities.
• Set the tone for cleanliness, organization, and readiness standards for tools, workshops, and test stands to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Fabricate or modify mechanical hardware, fixtures, and tooling to support test activities.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, lifts, and other heavy equipment (lifts, mills, welders, forklifts, etc.) to assemble or disassemble test infrastructure.
• Perform regular maintenance, calibration, and repair of support equipment, sensors, plumbing, and tooling; troubleshoot faults that impact test readiness.
• Support facility upgrades and layout planning alongside engineering and test operations.
• Operate and maintain test systems, including mechanical structures, fluid systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition hardware.
• Collaborate with engineers to prepare for static fires by installing test articles, ground support equipment, and instrumentation, owning tools and special equipment prep.
• Execute test procedures, perform system checks, and troubleshoot real‑time issues during testing.
• Document test results, inspections, and maintenance logs in a clear and traceable format.
• Hold the broader team accountable to high safety standards.
• Demonstrate extreme attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols when handling, staging, and integrating energetic materials and rocket motor components.
• Attend safety briefings and lead hazard identification and mitigation efforts.
• Maintain all required training and certifications, including explosives safety.
• Set the tone for safety, precision, and professionalism on site; lead by example and coach less experienced technicians and engineers.
• Participate in design reviews and readiness meetings to represent infrastructure and technician perspectives.
• Contribute to hazard reviews, mitigations, and compliance for test and fabrication work.
• Provide occasional support to build‑support equipment or integration tasks outside the test area.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 4–8 years of experience in test operations, industrial/facility maintenance, or mechanical fabrication in aerospace, defense, or heavy industry.
• Strong skills in mechanical systems, piping/plumbing, welding, or fabrication.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve infrastructure or GSE issues independently.
• Ability to obtain explosive permits from the ATF and Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Engineering Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or Mechanical disciplines.
• Experience supporting energetic systems or propulsion testing environments.
• Competency with instrumentation and controls (e.g., thermocouples, pressure transducers, DAQ).
• Certifications: HAZMAT, OSHA 30, rigging, forklift, aerial lift, or crane operations.
• Familiarity with CAD, work order tracking systems, and maintenance documentation tools.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding work in outdoor and industrial environments.
• Comfortable working around high‑pressure systems, noise, hazardous, and energetic materials.
• Willingness to work occasional off‑shift or weekend hours based on operational need.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $35.70 – $44.25 per hour, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and culture we enjoy.

Classification: Full‑time, Non‑Exempt.

Benefits Include

• 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‑Term 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.

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.