Ursa Major Logo

Ursa Major

Controls Engineer II (PLC)

Posted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
In-Office
Berthoud, CO, USA
90K-113K Annually
Entry level
In-Office
Berthoud, CO, USA
90K-113K Annually
Entry level
Design, integrate, commission, and validate PLC-based automated production equipment and facility infrastructure for aerospace propulsion manufacturing. Responsibilities include motion-system and instrumentation integration, SCADA connectivity, electrical schematics, P&IDs, safety-focused systems for hazardous processes, commissioning, troubleshooting documentation, and equipment standards. The engineer collaborates with Manufacturing, Test, Quality, Safety, and product teams across projects ranging from benchtop fixtures to facility-scale systems.
The summary above was generated by AI

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. 

We are seeking a Controls Engineer II (PLC) to help drive the design, delivery, and maintenance of custom automated equipment and facilities. Integration of motion systems, instruments, and devices across Ursa Major’s propulsion production manufacturing facility will be key. To succeed in this role, you will need to develop deep understanding of both personnel-operated and unattended processes involving hazardous materials and operations. You will be highly collaborative with Manufacturing, Test, Quality, Safety, and product owners. The scope of work will be from benchtop test fixtures to facility-scale equipment, and multi-campus monitoring.

The role will focus on developing new production equipment & infrastructure with PLC program, electrical schematics, instrumentation, and P&ID design from concept through to validation. You will implement solutions that enable safe, robust, and efficient propulsion production.


Responsibilities:

  • Be part of a team designing safety-first systems handling hazardous fluids, powders, and energetics mixtures, as well as high pressures and voltages
  • Gain deep understanding of functional test requirements of propulsion subassemblies/components to deliver industry-leading production equipment
  • Operate as a controls stakeholder throughout conceptualization, specification, design, build, deployment and validation of automated production equipment, integrated into Ursa Major’s digital manufacturing environment
  • Participate in equipment development with consideration of product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
  • Integrate motion systems and 3rd party solutions to Ursa Major control platforms
  • Integrate PLC based equipment into SCADA layer
  • Be hands-on during commissioning, working alongside engineers and technicians
  • Generate documentation including electrical schematics, P&ID, operator manuals, and work instructions for operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance
  • Contribute to internal production equipment standards and requirements documentation

Requirements: 

  • BS degree or higher in an engineering field, Mechatronic/chemical/mechanical preferred (suitable experience may be substituted)
  • Experience designing single/multi-axis, custom designed motion systems
  • Experience with test/process system design or related role
  • Experience working with PLCs (Siemens S7 or other)
  • Experience developing systems for personnel-operated and unattended equipment
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal
  • Ability to work flexibly in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with other functions and departments
  • Demonstrated ability to balance requirements of multiple stakeholders and deliver projects on time
  • 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:

  • Demonstrated first-principals approach to instrumentation and process equipment
  • Experience with building automation and data acquisition
  • Experience with continuous and batch process system design
  • Experience in production within ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations
  • Experience with Ignition SCADA & HMI
  • Experience with machine network design & industrial communications
  • Experience designing industrial electrical control panels (Eplan or other)
  • Experience building industrial electrical control panels
  • Experience designing and building high pressure fluid systems
  • Familiarity with NFPA, NEC, ASME piping codes, and other related standards
  • Experience performing Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), LOPA, and System Safety and Hazards Analysis
  • Experience with equipment validation, IQ, OQ, PQ, Gauge R&R, or other

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $90,000 - $113,000, 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

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.
 
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.
 

Ursa Major Berthoud, Colorado, USA Office

Our one-of-a kind campus co-locates engineering, manufacturing, & testing operations, allowing for unmatched development time and the chance for employees, customers, and investors alike to experience rocket engine testing as a part of the normal work day.

Similar Jobs at Ursa Major

Yesterday
In-Office
Berthoud, CO, USA
97K-121K Annually
Junior
97K-121K Annually
Junior
Aerospace • Defense
Supports aerospace propulsion system development through requirements definition, verification and qualification planning, risk management, traceability, and MBSE modeling. The role develops system-level plans for solid rocket motors, tracks compliance, reviews test and analysis documentation, integrates engineering models, manages systems engineering tools and processes, and communicates with internal teams, management, and customers. Secret clearance eligibility and U.S. person status are required.
Top Skills: CameoDoorsJamaModel-Based Systems Engineering (Mbse)
Yesterday
In-Office
Berthoud, CO, USA
89K-112K Annually
Mid level
89K-112K Annually
Mid level
Aerospace • Defense
Performs high-fidelity structural and thermal analyses of solid rocket motor components using FEA and analytical modeling. Supports design iterations, material and geometry decisions, test-data correlation, manufacturing feasibility, nonconformance dispositions, failure investigations, design reviews, and continuous improvement. Develops technical documentation and collaborates with design, manufacturing, and test teams across development, qualification, and production programs.
Top Skills: AbaqusAnsysFinite Element Analysis (Fea)LefmNastranThermal Modeling
Yesterday
In-Office
Berthoud, CO, USA
140K-175K Annually
Senior level
140K-175K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Defense
Performs high-fidelity structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses for solid rocket motor components. Develops and validates FEA models using ANSYS, Abaqus, or NASTRAN; correlates models with test data; supports design, manufacturing, qualification, failure investigations, and production. Provides recommendations on geometry, materials, and thermal protection systems, assesses nonconforming hardware, develops engineering processes, and mentors analysis engineers.
Top Skills: AbaqusAnsysCoupled Thermal-Stress AnalysisFinite Element Analysis (Fea)Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (Lefm)Low Cycle Fatigue (Lcf)Nastran

What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene

With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.

Key Facts About Colorado Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
  • Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
  • Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
  • Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account