Staff Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Verified today

Ursa Major designs and delivers propulsion and defense systems for national security applications, including hypersonics, solid rocket motors, satellite maneuvering, and launch vehicles.

You will own sensor selection and implementation of automated control and data acquisition systems across Ursa Major's product lines. Work spans from benchtop test fixtures to facility-scale equipment, requiring deep understanding of propulsion component functional test requirements. You will be highly collaborative with Manufacturing, Test, Quality, Safety, and product owners.

Key Responsibilities

• Be part of a team designing safety-first systems handling hazardous fluids, powders, and energetics mixtures, as well as high pressures and voltages
• Gain deep understanding of functional test requirements of propulsion subassemblies and components
• Lead selection of instrumentation across a wide range of test applications
• Lead development of headless-operating cRIO/PXI connected to SCADA layer
• Lead development of LabVIEW programs that operate in parallel with Siemens S7 PLCs for validation and development activities
• Participate in equipment development considering product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
• Be hands-on during commissioning, working alongside engineers and technicians
• Generate documentation including operator manuals, work instructions for operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance
• Contribute to internal production equipment standards and requirements documentation
• Implement networked communications standards to interconnect NI and Siemens hardware to the SCADA layer

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience with test/process system design or related role
• BS degree or higher in an engineering field (Mechatronic, chemical, or mechanical preferred; suitable experience may be substituted)
• Experience developing headless operating cRIO/PXI systems
• Experience developing LabVIEW programs integrating non-NI hardware
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal
• Ability to work flexibly in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with other functions and departments
• Demonstrated ability to balance requirements of multiple stakeholders and deliver projects on time
• Ability to perform physical tasks including standing for long periods, working on ladders, kneeling, crouching, working in tight spaces, and lifting objects up to 25 lbs

Preferred Experience

• Demonstrated first-principles approach to instrumentation and process equipment
• Experience working with PLCs (Siemens S7 or other)
• Experience with Ignition SCADA and HMI
• Experience with OPCUA, EtherCat, Profinet, or similar protocols
• Experience with continuous and batch process system design
• Experience in production within ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations
• Experience creating electrical schematics in CAD (Eplan or similar)
• Experience creating P&ID (Eplan or similar)
• Experience designing and building industrial electrical control panels
• Experience designing and building high pressure fluid systems
• Experience with equipment validation, IQ, OQ, PQ, Gauge R&R, or other
• Familiarity with NFPA, NEC, ASME piping codes, and related standards

Compensation and Employment

Base compensation range: $130,000 to $161,000, determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Classification: Full-time Exempt

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO (vacation, sick, personal, 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, and AD&D
• Additional voluntary life and emergency medical transport options
• EAP program
• 401k retirement savings plan with company match
• Equity grants

Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident). Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.