Ursa Major was founded to address 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 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.
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 procure, install, 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 production of 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:
- Establish 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: General understanding of energetic or high energy density materials, general knowledge of polymer chemistry, familiarity with general chemical analysis equipment including auto-titration, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and destructive and non-destructive material testing. Understanding of safety protocols for handling hazardous materials. Ability to read, write, and follow Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- 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/hour, 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. Click here for more information about our awesome benefits.
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 and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
- Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
- EAP Program
- Retirement Savings Plan - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)
- 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.
US CITIZENSHIP, PERMANENT RESIDENCY, REFUGEE OR ASYLUM STATUS 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.
Top Skills
What the Team is Saying
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What We Do
At Ursa Major, we are powering the future of aerospace. We see aerospace advancement as a technological imperative and we’re accelerating the industry as the leading source of world-class propulsion systems.
We meticulously design, craft, and test engines that are optimized to offer high performance, diverse capability, and unwavering reliability.
Why Work With Us
As much as we value talent, we know that it’s meaningless without the drive, humility, and hunger to work on a team. A team shares a common goal and obsesses about achieving it together. This requires leaving egos at the door and committing to do whatever’s required (within reason) to achieve mission success.
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Ursa Major Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
