Test Engineer

Industrious Ventures; Berthoud, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Paid parental and adoptive leave

Medical, dental and vision insurance

HSA/FSA

Disability insurance

401k with company match

Equity grants

Job summary

Ursa Major is seeking a Test Engineer in Colorado to lead rocket engine testing and support campaigns from test stands to data review. You will design fluid and electrical support systems, manage test objectives, and troubleshoot instrumentation while collaborating with the Test Operations team.

The role demands ownership, safety discipline, and hands-on engineering skills. The team emphasizes rapid learning, cross-functional collaboration, and high-impact propulsion development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace or Mechanical preferred).
• Familiarity with data acquisition and controls systems.
• Hands-on experience with fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Experience with hazardous operations and system safety.
• Strong project management and team leadership skills.
• Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team.
• Ability to implement information from system schematics.
• 2+ years of experience with testing high-pressure gas, cryogenic, fuel, and propulsion systems.
• Experience with LOX and kerosene rocket engines.
• Familiarity with valve, turbopump, or combustion device design and testing.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or other programming languages.
• Experience with LabVIEW and NI hardware.

Responsibilities

• Perform rocket engine testing.
• Perform test stand and engine checkouts.
• Generate and track test objectives to support engine test campaigns.
• Design and fabricate fluid systems to support engine-level test objectives.
• Review data from development and flight campaigns to support engine and component performance analysis and improvement.
• Operate and modify stand systems such as fluid systems, electrical systems, and supporting structures.
• Generate and update procedures, configuration files, and test sequences.
• Troubleshoot and maintain instrumentation and hardware systems including pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, regulators, etc.
• Develop methods to increase test cadence, test fidelity, and test stand capability.

Skills

Data acquisition

Controls systems

Fluid systems

Electrical systems

Hazardous operations

Project management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

National Instruments hardware

Python

MATLAB

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’s team moves fast and does a lot with little. We are looking for a skilled, fast-learning individual who can contribute to our test team. As a Test Engineer, you will be responsible for running engine testing operations. This includes conducting hot fire engine tests, participating in data review, leading troubleshooting efforts related to engine tests, and driving rocket engine test campaigns. This role will report to the Test Operations organization of Ursa Major.

Responsibilities:

• Perform rocket engine testing.
• Perform test stand and engine checkouts.
• Generate and track test objectives to support engine test campaigns.
• Design and fabricate fluid systems to support engine-level test objectives.
• Review data from development and flight campaigns to support engine and component performance analysis and improvement.
• Operate and modify stand systems such as fluid systems, electrical systems, and supporting structures.
• Generate and update procedures, configuration files, and test sequences.
• Troubleshoot and maintain instrumentation and hardware systems including pressure transducers, thermocouples, valves, regulators, etc.
• Develop methods to increase test cadence, test fidelity, and test stand capability.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace or Mechanical preferred).
• Familiarity with data acquisition and controls systems.
• Working knowledge of and hands-on experience with fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Experience with hazardous operations and system safety.
• Strong project management and team leadership skills.
• Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team.
• Technical ability to implement information from fluid/electrical/mechanical system schematics.

Desired Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience with testing high-pressure gas systems, cryogenic systems, fuel systems, and propulsion systems.
• Working knowledge of liquid oxygen and kerosene rocket engines.
• Familiarity with valve, turbopump, or combustion device design and testing.
• Experience with a programming language such as Python, MATLAB, or other programming languages.
• Experience with LabVIEW and National Instruments Hardware.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $75,000 - $115,000, 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

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

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.