The
Engineering Manager, Rockets is responsible for leading a multi-disciplinary engineering team focused on solid rocket motor development - from design and demonstration through production scale-up - to deliver defense-critical propulsion capabilities.
The position reports to the Director of Engineering and is part of the Voyager Energetics Engineering department based in Penrose, CO. This role is onsite in Penrose, CO, with work to transition to the Pueblo, CO location.
In this role, the essential functions are:- Lead and mentor a multi-disciplinary engineering team across solid rocket motor design, propellant formulation, process scale-up, and production - supporting personnel through the acquisition lifecycle from development through PDR/CDR and into Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP).
- Drive engineering strategy, planning, and resource allocation in partnership with engineering and program management leadership to meet performance, cost, schedule, and quality objectives, supporting the transition of developmentally designed rocket motors into production across Colorado R&D and manufacturing operations.
- Oversee the development, review, and approval of engineering deliverables - including requirements, models, procedures, design documentation, and risk assessments - while implementing engineering processes, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives that ensure technical excellence and compliance with internal and government standards.
- Represent the engineering organization internally and externally in technical and program status reviews, and develop talent through coaching, performance feedback, and growth opportunities that foster a culture of safety, accountability, and technical excellence.
If your experience aligns with our basic qualifications and you are inspired by our mission, we'd like to connect. If you don't see the right role right now, Join Our Talent Community and stay connected as we continue to build what's next. Basic Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering or a related scientific field with 5+ years of hands-on solid rocket motor or propulsion engineering experience OR Master's degree in a related field with 3+ years of experience OR 9+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
- 15+ years of hands-on experience with solid rocket motor development and production, including strong working knowledge of oxidizer grinding, propellant formulation, grain design, mix/cast operations, and motor testing.
- 5+ years leading projects of significant technical scope and complexity in a regulated or defense environment, with demonstrated success managing technical execution of complex propulsion engineering programs.
- 5+ years supervising high-performing engineering teams of 5+ engineers across multiple technical disciplines, with the ability to communicate effectively across engineering, operations, program management, and senior leadership audiences.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience transitioning solid rocket motor designs from R&D into production, including standing up new motor manufacturing capabilities in a propellant or energetic materials environment.
- Familiarity with propellant casting and curing processes, motor case design, ballistic performance modeling, and acceptance testing; experience with industrial automation (PLCs, instrumentation) and CAD/analysis tools (SolidWorks, MATLAB) is a plus.
Travel, Physical, and Government Mandated Requirements- Travel up to 25%, including overnights trips to customer sites, industry conferences, and program reviews.
- Ability to lift, move, or carry items or equipment up to 50 pounds.
- Comfortable sitting, standing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling in office and manufacturing environments.
- Exposure to industrial machines, heat, cold, energetic chemicals, and explosives; use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the work location.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship), if needed.
The good faith base salary rangefor this role is
$200,000 -$230,000at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future.
Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.
- Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
- Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more! No long-term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll
- 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%, supporting long-term financial security
- Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being
- Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
- The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment
Colorado pay range
$200,000-$230,000 USD
