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Energetics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$110K - $143K/yr

About Applied Energetics Applied Energetics is redefining the state of the art in ultrashort pulse laser and directed energy technologies for defense and national security applications. Guided by our ...

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Energetics information

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$17

$33

$47

How much do energetics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for energetics in the United States is $33.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.44 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is energetics?

Energetics is a multidisciplinary field that involves the study and application of energy transformations, particularly in chemical and physical processes. In the context of careers, professionals working in energetics may focus on the design, development, and testing of energetic materials such as explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics, or they may work on broader energy systems and technologies. Energetics experts are often employed in defense, aerospace, chemical engineering, and energy industries, where they ensure materials and systems perform safely and efficiently. The field requires a strong background in chemistry, physics, and engineering principles.

What is the difference between Energetics vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEnergeticsMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications in energy systemsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentEnergy plants, research labs, consulting firmsManufacturing, design firms, construction sites
Industry UsageEnergy sector, defense, aerospaceManufacturing, automotive, aerospace

Energetics focuses on energy systems, efficiency, and power generation, often within energy and defense sectors. Mechanical engineers have a broader scope, working on machinery, design, and manufacturing processes. While both roles require engineering degrees, energetics specialists concentrate on energy-specific applications, whereas mechanical engineers work across various mechanical systems.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in energetics roles, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in energetics often work with hazardous materials and complex systems, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and attention to detail. A common challenge is keeping up with evolving regulations and ensuring safe handling and storage of energetic materials. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, chemists, and safety officers—is essential for project success and risk mitigation. Staying current with industry standards, prioritizing clear communication, and participating in ongoing safety training are effective ways to address these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an energetics engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Energetics Engineer, you need a solid background in chemistry, physics, and engineering, usually supported by a degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, modeling software (such as ANSYS or MATLAB), and regulatory standards like ATEX or OSHA is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail help ensure safe and effective handling of energetic materials. These skills are crucial to designing, testing, and managing energetic systems safely and efficiently in industries such as defense, aerospace, or manufacturing.
More about Energetics jobs
What cities are hiring for Energetics jobs? Cities with the most Energetics job openings:
What states have the most Energetics jobs? States with the most job openings for Energetics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Energetics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Energetics jobs are:
Infographic showing various Energetics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,760 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Energetics

Ursa Major

Berthoud, CO • On-site

$88K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Ursa Major is developing cutting-edge propulsion systems and is seeking an innovative and hands-on Senior Development Energetics Manufacturing Engineer. This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between design and production by creating, implementing, and optimizing the manufacturing processes for solid rocket motors (SRMs). The engineer in this role will be the designated Process Owner for a critical section of the SRM build process. They will be responsible for the entire development lifecycle of their assigned processes, from initial concept and sourcing to machine design, fabrication, and final deployment on the production floor. This individual will serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for their processes, actively participating in motor builds to ensure processes are robust, repeatable, and capable.

We are looking for an engineer with a strong background in capital equipment, automation, and process design, ideally with experience in energetics processing.

Key Responsibilities

  • Process Ownership & Development:
    • Take complete ownership of a designated manufacturing process (e.g., propellant mixing, propellant curing, final assembly of SRM).
    • Design, develop, and validate new manufacturing processes and equipment to meet design specifications, safety standards, and production rate requirements.
    • Create detailed equipment specifications, statements of work (SOW), and test plans for new machinery.
  • Sourcing & Machine Design:
    • Lead the sourcing and procurement of complex capital equipment. This includes identifying and evaluating external machine builders and automation suppliers.
    • Lead internal design efforts and manage external vendors for custom manufacturing machines, tooling, and fixtures.
    • Manage projects from procurement through installation, conducting site acceptance (SAT) and factory acceptance (FAT) testing.
  • Hands-on Implementation & SME Support:
    • Act as the lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) for your assigned processes.
    • Work hands-on with technicians and other engineers on the production floor to build development and flight hardware, providing real-time support and process refinement.
    • Develop and qualify processes, establishing critical process parameters and controls.
    • Author and maintain comprehensive documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and maintenance requirements.
  • Continuous Improvement:
    • Lead analysis of  build data, non-conformances, and operator feedback to identify root causes and implement robust corrective actions.
    • Drive continuous improvement (Lean, 6-Sigma) initiatives to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and cost for your process area.
  • Collaborate closely with Design Engineering (DFM/A) to ensure new motor designs are optimized for manufacturability.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience:
    • Minimum of 6 years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role, developing and deploying new production processes and equipment.
    • Proven experience leading capital equipment projects, including specification development, sourcing, and installation/commissioning.
    • Demonstrated ability to serve as a hands-on SME, working directly on the production floor.
    • Willingness to work hands-on in a production environment with strict safety controls.
  • Skills:
    • Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Siemens NX, CATIA) for tooling and fixture design.
    • Excellent project management skills.
    • Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and blueprint interpretation.
    • Ability to rapidly learn and become the subject matter expert in a new process area.

Desired Qualifications

  • Industry Experience: Previous experience in the aerospace, defense, or energetics industry, specifically with solid rocket motor manufacturing (insulation, propellant, case winding, etc.).
  • Familiarity with relevant codes and regulations (e.g., OSHA, NFPA, ATF, DoD or aerospace standards).
  • Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), and process capability analysis.
  • Background in process scale-up, equipment commissioning, or technology transfer from R&D to production.
  • Experience with ERP/MES systems and digital work instructions/batch records.
  • Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma experience/certification.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $88,000 - $130,000, 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