Development Research Engineer
US$84,000 – US$105,000 / yr base salary
Posted 22 Sep 2026
Advertised as “Development Research Engineer I, Energetics”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Level
- I
- Expected experience
- 1–3 yrs
- Management level
- Individual contributor
- Contract
- Full-time
| Base salary | US$84,000 – US$105,000 / yr |
|---|
Field of studyChemical Engineering, Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (or related)
Study levelAssociate degree
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.