The
Manufacturing Engineer will be located onsite in Pueblo, CO and reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager. This role owns the translation of energetic manufacturing processes from development into production - designing, implementing, and continuously improving the systems, processes, and tooling that underpin solid rocket motor production at Voyager Energetics. With at least 5 years of hands-on manufacturing experience, this individual brings rigorous process thinking, a bias for direct action, and the technical depth to operate effectively in a fast-paced, mission-driven manufacturing environment where the work is both high-stakes and genuinely novel.
In this role, the essential functions are: - Design, develop, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing systems, processes, procedures, and tooling for solid rocket motors and energetic materials - maintaining adherence to safety, quality, performance, and reliability standards throughout the product lifecycle.
- Lead the transition of energetic manufacturing processes from development and pilot scale to full production standing, defining process controls, qualification criteria, and production readiness gates in close collaboration with Process Engineering, Safety, and Compliance.
- Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, reliability, cost, and throughput; develop, monitor, and report on key performance metrics such as yield, defect rates, nonconformances, and cycle time.
- Oversee production operations for solid rocket motor assembly, energetic chemical formulation, and hazardous materials handling - serving as the production-focused point of contact for manufacturing execution, regulatory compliance, and third-party stakeholders.
- Create, review, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and technical documentation to production standards; train operations personnel in procedures, standards, and best practices.
- Prepare technical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders to support planning, budgeting, process reviews, and program milestones.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing Development, Safety, and Compliance to embed production practices into all phases of the product lifecycle, spanning short-term development projects and long-term manufacturing programs.
Basic Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, Electrical, or other relevant engineering discipline with 5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or a related field OR Master's degree in a relevant field with 3 years of experience OR 9 years of hands-on manufacturing engineering experience in lieu of a degree.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience implementing and improving manufacturing processes in a production environment, including developing SOPs, work instructions, and process specifications to production standards.
- Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies with demonstrated experience contributing to or leading process improvement initiatives - with measurable results in yield, throughput, or defect reduction.
- Proven ability to oversee and support production operations involving complex assembly, hazardous materials handling, or regulated manufacturing environments, with strong familiarity with applicable safety and quality standards.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts to cross-functional stakeholders including Engineering, Operations, Safety, and external customers.
- Strong self-starter with the ability to solve complex problems from first principles with minimal supervision, both independently and as a contributing team member in a fast-paced startup environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety culture and ability to operate within rigorous regulatory environments including OSHA, ITAR, and hazardous or energetic materials standards.
- Eligible to obtain and maintain State and Federal explosives licenses, including:
- Be 21 years of age or older.
- Pass pre-employment drug test.
- Pass State and Federal background checks.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience with energetic materials, solid rocket motor propellant manufacturing, or other hazardous manufacturing environments.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt) with demonstrated application in a production environment.
- Proficiency with Solidworks, AutoCAD or similar.
Travel, Physical and Government Mandated Requirements- Travel up to 15%, including the possibility of overnights within the continental United States.
- Ability to lift, move, or carry items or equipment up to 50 pounds. Comfortable standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching in a manufacturing environment; use of personal protective equipment required.
- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
The good faith base salary range for this role is
$90,000 - $115,000 at 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
$90,000-$115,000 USD
