Development Research Engineer I, Energetics
About this role
Solid rocket motor production requires rigorous material analysis to advance national security propulsion demands, and Ursa Major needs a Development Research Engineer I to support these critical evaluations. The selected candidate will help set up, operate, and maintain lab-scale experimental equipment destined for manufacturing environments while collaborating closely with the propellant development and analysis team. Daily tasks involve building hardware, establishing experimental procedures, collecting quality data, and maintaining detailed laboratory records.
Operating in a high-pace environment across offices, test facilities, and laboratories, the role demands strict adherence to safety protocols and the handling of hazardous materials. Ideal candidates bring hands-on manufacturing experience, familiarity with analytical instrumentation, and a strong commitment to quality control and meticulous documentation.
What you will do
- Collaborate with the propellant development and analysis team to install, upkeep, and manage experimental and analytical hardware and instrumentation.
- Build hardware and data acquisition systems for new experiments while helping establish experimental procedures to collect reliable data.
- Adhere strictly to safety protocols, including the proper handling of explosive and hazardous materials, and report any incidents immediately.
- Perform routine maintenance and calibration on analytical instruments while troubleshooting and resolving equipment issues.
- Prepare detailed records of analytical procedures, metadata, anomalies, and characterization reports summarizing key findings.
- Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, quality personnel, and management to support manufacturing transfer plans.
What you need
- Possess a preferred minimum of a two-year degree related to engineering programs such as chemical, mechanical, or materials science.
- Bring a preferred minimum of one to three years of related experience working hands-on in a manufacturing or production environment.
- Demonstrate familiarity with safe engineering practices, hazardous material safety protocols, and the ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures.
- Exhibit strong documentation hygiene, critical thinking capabilities, and proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite and data acquisition systems.
- Demonstrate excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the physical ability to lift and carry up to thirty pounds.
- Qualify as a U.S. Person, defined as a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident, with the eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
Benefits
- Unlimited PTO including vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement
- Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Tax Advantage Accounts including HSA and FSA
- Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, and AD&D
- Retirement Savings Plan 401k with Company Match
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the compensation range for this role?
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 are the physical and environmental working conditions?
The position involves working in office, test facilities, and laboratories which may include exposure to hazardous materials and conditions. Physical requirements include the ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and work in environments with varying temperatures.
Are there citizenship or security clearance requirements?
Must be a U.S. Person which includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents. Candidates must also have eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.