The journey to space starts with the engines.
Ursa Major was founded to bring a new model to space access: one in which every link in an enormous value chain isn’t limited by those around it. We design rocket engines and propulsion solutions.
Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team. A team that will mold tomorrow’s technologies while deploying today’s best. We are an intrinsically 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.
The Senior Vehicle Operations Engineer is central to customer mission success. Delivery of the engine is but one step along the path to flight. The Senior Vehicle Operations Engineer picks up the baton when the engine is shipped to the customer, and together with the Mission Program Manager, helps our customers across the finish line. You will be the engine technical expert on-site to assist customers with the integration, operation, testing, and flight of Ursa engines. Typical assignments include planning, coordinating, and leading engine integration activities, authoring and executing integrated test procedures, engine inspections, hardware troubleshooting, briefing technical issues to the customer, and multi-week test and flight campaigns on-location. A successful candidate will be eager to learn about rocket engines, love hands-on work, enjoy work-related travel, and be comfortable communicating technical information to customers.
Responsibilities
- Become a subject matter expert on vehicle propulsion systems and Ursa engines
- Present and provide technical reviews in customer meetings and integration reviews
- Plan and coordinate trips for engine integration and testing.
- Travel to customer sites and lead engine integration, perform checkouts and assist in test and flight campaigns.
- Review data from engine tests to support fast-paced customer test campaigns.
- Troubleshoot engine and component hardware issues in the field, develop solutions with the Ursa team and customer, and lead implementation.
- Identify and implement engine improvements focused on customer needs and end-use
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
- 5+ years of relevant experience
- Passion for developing customer relationships and ensuring mission success
- Attention to detail, curiosity, and relentless in resolving problems
- Hands-on experience with aerospace hardware
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment
- Willing to spend 30% of the year on travel for multi-week test and flight campaigns
Desired Experience
- Master’s degree in Engineering
- Technical expertise in liquid rocket engine manufacturing, integration, or test
- Technical expertise in vehicle stage systems and propulsion fluid systems
- Flight or test operational experience
- Experience in systems engineering and requirements verification
- Experience in a mission assurance role
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 and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
- Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life, Emergency Medical Transport and Pet Insurance
- EAP Program
- Retirement Savings Plan - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)
- Company stock options
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $85,000 - $145,000, 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. Click here for more information about our awesome benefits.
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.
US CITIZENSHIP OR PERMANENT RESIDENCY IS REQUIRED.
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.