Find & Apply For Materials Engineer Jobs in Berthoud, Colorado

The Role Supports materials characterization, microscopy, mechanical testing, process trials, and failure investigations for rocket engines and propulsion systems. Performs lab sample preparation, data collection, basic analysis, technical documentation, and equipment upkeep while collaborating with design, manufacturing, and test engineers. The internship provides hands-on experience with aerospace hardware and prepares students for Materials & Processes Engineer roles. Summary Generated by Built In 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. Ursa Major is seeking a Materials & Processes (M&P) Intern to support the development, characterization, and testing of materials used in our rocket engines and propulsion systems. This internship is designed as a strong lead‑in to our Level I M&P Engineer role. You will work closely with experienced M&P engineers on hands‑on lab projects, material testing campaigns, and failure investigations that directly impact flight hardware.

Responsibilities:

Perform material characterization under guidance of M&P engineers, including metallography, hardness testing, and basic microstructural analysis. Assist with SEM and optical microscopy work: sample preparation, imaging, and basic interpretation of micrographs. Support mechanical testing , such as tensile tests and simple coupon-level evaluations; help with test setup, data collection, and initial data reduction. Contribute to material development and process trials , including preparation of test coupons, documenting procedures, and helping track results. Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe materials laboratory , including sample labeling, equipment upkeep, and adherence to safety protocols. Document work in lab notebooks and simple technical reports; create clear plots, tables, and summaries that can be used by the broader engineering team. Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and test engineers by sharing material data and observations that inform engineering decisions.

Required Qualifications:

Actively pursuing a B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field . Ideally entering junior or senior year at the time of the internship; strong sophomores with relevant experience will also be considered. Completed foundational coursework in materials science (e.g., structure-property relationships, mechanical behavior, phase diagrams, or similar). Demonstrated hands-on experience in a lab setting (course labs, research projects, or maker spaces) with an interest in working with real hardware and test equipment. Basic familiarity with material testing or characterization techniques (e.g., tensile testing, microscopy, hardness tests), even if only from class projects. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in recording data and following procedures. Clear written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively as part of a small, fast-paced team.

Preferred Experience:

Prior internship, co‑op, or research experience related to materials, manufacturing, or aerospace hardware. Extracurricular involvement that shows initiative in technical environments—such as rocket teams, Formula SAE/Baja, CubeSat projects, materials research groups, machine shop clubs, or maker spaces . Experience with metallography (mounting, grinding, polishing, etching) and basic microstructure interpretation. Exposure to SEM operation (even at a basic user level) and image analysis. Experience running or supporting tensile or fatigue tests and handling test data. Familiarity with basic data and analysis tools (Excel, Python, or similar) for plotting stress-strain curves and summarizing test results. This internship is intended for students who want to grow into full‑time Materials & Processes Engineers . You'll gain direct exposure to propulsion hardware, modern test methods, and the day‑to‑day problem solving required to make rocket engines fly. Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $30.00/hour, 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 Non-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 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. Read Full Description Skills Required Actively pursuing a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field Entering junior or senior year, with strong sophomores also considered Completed foundational coursework in materials science Hands-on laboratory experience through coursework, research, or maker spaces Basic familiarity with materials testing or characterization techniques Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Clear written and verbal communication skills and ability to work on a team Prior internship, co-op, or research experience related to materials, manufacturing, or aerospace hardware Extracurricular technical experience such as rocket teams, Formula SAE/Baja, CubeSat projects, materials research, machine shop clubs, or maker spaces Experience with metallography and microstructure interpretation Exposure to SEM operation and image analysis Experience supporting tensile or fatigue tests and handling test data Familiarity with Excel, Python, or similar data analysis tools Must be a U.S. Person, including U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance What the Team is Saying Chaka Master Propulsion Technician "I usually compare working here to having a group of friends and we're all helping to restore a classic car in one of our buddies' garages.......except it's a freakin' rocket engine!" Chaka Master Propulsion Technician "I usually compare working here to having a group of friends and we're all helping to restore a classic car in one of our buddies' garages.......except it's a freakin' rocket engine!" Connor Manufacturing Quality Engineer I spend every day working on one of the most important problems that we face as a society: creating reliable and affordable methods of getting to space. I am also surrounded by the most amazing, passionate, and interesting people that I've ever met. Maggie Systems Engineer Career growth on my team is multi-faceted. The leadership and your team members at Ursa Major help you to grow your technical skills and ensure that you are constantly growing your soft skills. Ursa Major cares about what interests you and what future opportunities you are working towards and helps you get there! I look forward to going to work every day at Ursa Major to solve problems with my team members, grow as an individual and employee, and have fun building rocket engines! Ursa Major Compensation & Benefits Highlights Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is broad, combining unlimited PTO with two company‑wide shutdown weeks in July and at year‑end that help ensure employees disconnect. Healthcare Strength — Core coverage appears comprehensive, with medical, dental, and vision plus HSA/FSA, employer‑paid disability, life, AD&D, and EAP; some listings also cite optional add‑ons such as pet insurance. Parental & Family Support — Paid parental and adoptive leave is highlighted across official and third‑party materials as a notable strength. Learn more about Ursa Major's Compensation & Benefits → Ursa Major Insights What's It Like to Work at Ursa Major? Ursa Major Culture & Values Ursa Major Career Growth & Development What's the Work-Life Balance Like at Ursa Major? Ursa Major Leadership & Management Ursa Major Company Growth, Stability & Outlook View all jobs at Ursa Major View Ursa Major Profile Report Job