Development Research Engineer I, Energetics

InvestedintheMission; Berthoud (CO); On-site; USD 84,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401k with Company Match

Paid Parental Leave

Short and Long Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Ursa Major is seeking a research and development engineer to support analysis of solid rocket motor production materials. The role emphasizes building experimental hardware, setting up test matrices, and operating lab equipment with a strong focus on safety and quality.

The position offers room for growth and collaboration with propulsion development, analytics, and production teams in a high‑stakes environment that advances national security goals.

Qualifications

• 2-year engineering-related degree or equivalent.
• Experience with lab hardware, test matrices, and safety procedures.
• Strong documentation and data handling capabilities.
• Ability to read SOPs and follow procedures precisely.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and manage experimental hardware and instrumentation.
• Build hardware and data acquisition for new experiments.
• Establish procedures and conduct experiments to collect high‑quality data.
• Analyze results and present anomalies impacting development.
• Maintain lab records and ensure governance of data.

Skills

Documentation

Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Data acquisition systems

MS Office proficiency

Education

2-year engineering-related degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data acquisition systems

Job description

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.

Position Overview:

We are looking for a skilled and research and development engineer to support analysis of solid rocket motor production materials. The ideal candidate will have previous experience with building experimental hardware and test matrix, experience with technical lab equipment, as well as a strong commitment to safety and quality. This role involves assisting in the setup, operation, and maintenance of equipment designated for lab scale experimentation transitioning to manufacturing environments. Room for expansion and growth into other areas is possible.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work cohesively with the solid rocket motor propellant development and analysis team to install, upkeep, and manage experimental and analytical hardware/ instrumentation.
• Assist in building hardware and data acquisition for new experiments.
• Assist in establishing experimental procedures and conduct experiments to collect quality 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

Safety Compliance:

• Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures including proper handling of documents, explosive and hazardous materials, and laboratory housekeeping.
• 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.

Maintenance:

• Assist in 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.
• Prepare 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.
• Assist in building transfer plans and teaching manufacturing
• Communicate effectively with team members; cross-functional and direct, to maintain efficiency and productivity.

Requirements:

• Education: Preferred minimum of 2 year degree related to engineering programs- chemical, mechanical, materials or similar.
• Experience: Preferred minimum of 1-3 years’ related experience in manufacturing environment, working hands on in production, following processes, and following safety-protocols.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with safe engineering practices and systems. Understanding of safety protocols for handling hazardous materials. Ability to read, assess, and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Skills: Strong documentation and hygiene practices. The ability to think critically. Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and data acquisitions systems. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• 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 $84,080 - $105,100, 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

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.