Test Technician, Solid Missile Systems

Ursa Major is seeking a self-starting, hands-on, and safety-conscious Test Technician with a dual focus:

1. Executing static fire test campaigns for solid rocket motors with precision and urgency, and
2. Supporting the building and maintenance of test site infrastructure and equipment.

This role is ideal for a process, field, fabrication, or GSE technician with a strong foundation in industrial operations, mechanical systems, and infrastructure seeking a direct, high-impact role in test execution. You'll work with hazardous, energetic materials and high-performance propulsion systems in a fast-paced, outdoor, and dynamic environment. Success demands a disciplined approach to safety, technical excellence, and the ability to perform under pressure. If you're mechanically inclined and thrive in high-stakes, fast-moving settings, this role offers a direct path to contributing to cutting-edge rocket engine development through hands-on test operations.

Key Responsibilities

Test Preparation & Execution

• Operate and maintain test systems, including electrical grounding systems, mechanical structures, fluid systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition hardware
• Prepare test stands for static fires by installing test articles, ground support equipment, and instrumentation, owning tools and special equipment preparation across sites
• 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

Test Infrastructure Build & Industrial Maintenance

• Support the build-out, modification, and maintenance of test stands, fluid panels, data acquisition and control systems, mechanical fixtures, and facility utilities.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and readiness standards of 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 including (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 including new test sites beyond Berthoud, Colorado.

Safety Discipline

• 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 support hazard identification and mitigation efforts
• Maintain all required training and certifications, including explosives safety

Continuous Improvement & Cross-Functional Support

• Participate in design reviews and readiness meetings to represent test operation 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
• 2–5 years of experience in test operations, industrial/facility maintenance, or mechanical fabrication in aerospace, defense, or heavy industries
• Strong skills in mechanical assembly, fabrication, and electricity fundamentals
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve infrastructure or instrumentation issues
• Ability to obtain explosive permits from the ATF and Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in technical disciplines or equivalent technical training/experience
• 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

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
• Willingness to support occasional travel to support off-site test campaigns
• Valid driver’s license required

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $28.85 - $36.06 hourly, 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.