Research And Development Engineer

US DEFENSE LABS; Town of Rush (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

US DEFENSE LABS, based in the Rochester, NY area, is seeking engineers at all experience levels to support development, testing, manufacturing, and transition of advanced defense technologies.

Engineers work across disciplines on hands-on research, prototyping, testing, and problem solving, collaborating with scientists, technicians, and program leadership to deliver production-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or equivalent practical experience.
• Hands-on experience designing, building, fabricating, assembling, modifying, or testing physical hardware.
• Experience with 3D CAD and strong mechanical aptitude.
• Working knowledge of electrical systems and electromechanical integration.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a hands-on technical environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, test, and improve components and systems for defense R&D.
• Perform analysis, experiments, data review, and troubleshooting to solve issues.
• Develop manufacturing processes, fixtures, tooling, equipment, and hardware.
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing disciplines as needed.
• Prepare drawings, specifications, procedures, and technical reports.
• Support lab, manufacturing, and field testing activities.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to transition concepts to prototypes.
• Ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in all work.

Skills

3D CAD

Mechanical aptitude

Hands-on hardware

Electrical systems

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in ME/EE/Mechatronics

Tools

3D CAD software

Job description

All Levels Considered | Onsite | U.S. Citizenship Required

US DEFENSE LABS is a growing defense technology company advancing energetic materials, propulsion systems, advanced manufacturing, and next generation defense solutions. We support government customers and defense primes in delivering mission-critical capabilities through research, development, engineering and real-world deployment.

Our team works closely with military and government partners to develop, demonstrate, and transition technologies that address evolving defense and national security requirements.

Based in the Rochester, New York area, US DEFENSE LABS is built on technical excellence, collaboration, and a results driven mindset.

Position Overview

US DEFENSE LABS is looking for Engineers at all experience levels to support the development, testing, manufacturing, and transition of advanced defense technologies.

Engineers at US DEFENSE LABS work across disciplines and contribute directly to hands-on research, development, prototyping, testing, and problem solving. The ideal candidate is highly technical, adaptable, and comfortable working in an environment where engineering challenges often require practical solutions, rapid iteration, and close collaboration with scientists, technicians, and program leadership.

This position is intended for engineers ranging from entry-level and recent graduates through experienced engineers and technical leads. Specific responsibilities and level will be determined based on education, experience, technical expertise, and program needs.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, prototype, test, and improve components, equipment, processes, and systems for defense R&D programs.
• Apply engineering analysis, experimentation, data review, and troubleshooting to solve technical and manufacturing challenges.
• Develop advanced manufacturing processes, fixtures, tooling, equipment, and experimental hardware.
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and other engineering disciplines as needed.
• Prepare engineering drawings, specifications, procedures, technical reports, and program documentation.
• Support laboratory, manufacturing, and field testing activities.
• Work with scientists, technicians, and engineers to transition concepts into functional prototypes and production-ready solutions.
• Support proposal development, technical planning, cost estimating, and execution of government R&D programs.
• Maintain accurate documentation and comply with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate technical findings, challenges, and recommendations to internal leadership, government partners, and industry partners.
• Perform other engineering and technical duties as needed to support company programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or equivalent practical experience.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience designing, building, fabricating, assembling, modifying, or testing physical hardware.
• Experience with 3D CAD and strong mechanical aptitude.
• Working knowledge of electrical systems, basic electronics, and electromechanical integration.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a hands-on technical environment.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to learn new technologies, processes, and engineering methods quickly.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into practical designs, prototypes, and solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality, safety, and technical rigor.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing technical and program requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, propulsion, energetic materials, or defense technologies.
• Experience with government, defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated programs.
• Familiarity with engineering analysis, experimental design, data analysis, or process optimization.
• Experience working in a small company, startup, R&D environment, or multidisciplinary technical team.
• Ability to work with both technical and non-technical personnel to solve complex problems.

Who Will Thrive at USDL

Engineers who thrive at US DEFENSE LABS are builders, problem solvers, and adaptable technical contributors who are energized by hands-on work and complex challenges. The right candidate is not needed in every area of our work, but should be willing and able to learn quickly, take ownership of technical problems, and contribute wherever needed.

Successful candidates will be comfortable moving between design work, hands-on fabrication, laboratory or manufacturing environments, testing, data analysis, and technical documentation. They will have the opportunity to work directly on advanced technologies supporting national defense, contribute to projects from concept through prototype and transition, and collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, technicians, government customers, and defense industry partners.

This role is best suited for someone who takes pride in solving difficult problems and wants their engineering work to contribute directly to mission critical capabilities and technologies that support the warfighter and national security.

Employment Type:

Full time, onsite

Salary Range:

$64,650 - $145,405

Candidates at all experience levels will be considered, with level and scope aligned to demonstrated capability and experience.