Senior Instrumentation & Control Systems Engineer

Ursa Major

Ursa Major

Software Engineering
Berthoud, CO, USA
USD 130k-150k / year + Equity
Posted on Sep 26, 2025

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.

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.

As a Senior Instrumentation & Controls Systems Engineer you will be responsible for the design, selection, build, maintenance, and ownership of data and control systems, to include software, hardware, and user interfaces. You will interface and work closely with other Engineers, Operators, and Technicians to enable test and facility automation capabilities, in addition to troubleshooting, maintaining, and improving the reliability and efficiency of test and support facilities. You will implement solutions that enable facility connectivity and real-time decision making with a focus on operator experience. Project focus will be to create modular, configurable designs where requirements are locked but forward-looking options are allocated and considered.

Responsibilities:

  • Own project implementation by working with stakeholders to generate requirements, design, analysis, procurement, build, and system activation
  • Support the deployment, testing, evaluation of data, maintenance, and troubleshooting of systems by providing insight, feedback, and direct support of users
  • Enable the fidelity of data, functionality, and lifespan of I&C systems by providing technical expertise to inform project scope, tradeoffs, alternatives, and schedule refinement
  • Ownership of implementation of data acquisition hardware and sensors to support rocket component checkouts and engine testing, examples include:
    • PXIe, SCXI, CRIO’s, PLC, etc.
    • Pressure, temperature, thrust, and flow measurement
    • LabVIEW and communications software
  • Generate schematics and overall system level documentation and work instructions for non-electrical technicians and engineers for installation and maintenance of I&C systems
  • Contribute to operational efficiency gains by soliciting user feedback and shadowing operations
  • Ability to operate with minimal management oversight to execute multi-disciplinary engineering projects
    • Projects may be independent or require leading a technical team of engineers/technicians from across the organization

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical/electrical/computer engineering or equivalent technical experience
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience with instrumentation and control systems
  • Passion for designing I&C systems and the desire to be hands-on with the system
  • Excellent communication skills, written / spoken/ electronic
  • Hands-on experience with deterministic control systems and software
  • Experience working with multiple engineering disciplines and technicians
  • System level design & implementation of data acquisition systems with focus on circuitry and/or software
  • Understanding of digital and analog signals, signal response characteristics, noise, filtering, processing, shielding, and grounding
  • Experience with rapid design and installation of I&C systems and related software from concept through activation and daily operation
  • Demonstrated knowledge of industrial communications such as RS485, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Profibus, Modbus
  • Ability to evaluate and assess risk positions and provide recommended path forwards
  • Ability to perform physical tasks including standing for long periods, working on ladders, kneeling, crouching, working in tight spaces, lifting objects (up to 25 lbs.)

Preferred Experience:

  • Design of electrical and DAC systems for hazardous locations (Class I, Div. 1 and Div. 2)
  • Experience in hardware-focused organization with hands on hardware production, development, and troubleshooting, while balancing requirements from multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience developing safety-monitored controls for personnel-operated and unattended equipment
  • Experience performing Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), System Safety and Hazards Analysis
  • Experience with a variety of software languages and programming (LabVIEW, Python, C++ preferred)
  • Experience working with hazardous materials, high pressures, and cryogenic systems
  • Design of electrical power distribution according to NFPA and NEC requirements
  • Experience with interpretation of Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID)
  • Experience operating in ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations
  • Experience completing system Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA)

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $130,000 - $150,000, 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.

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 - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)
  • Equity Grants in the Company

How To Apply:
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by filling out the application below and clicking "Submit Application". This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.


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.