The
Manufacturing Engineering Manager will be located onsite in Pueblo, CO and reports to the Senior Manufacturing Engineering Manager. This role leads Voyager Energetics' manufacturing engineering function with an elevated mandate: serving as the technical authority for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and advanced manufacturing techniques across the full product lifecycle - from concept and early design through manufacturing development and the transition to rate production. As DoD investment in the solid rocket motor industrial base accelerates and production demand surges, this leader drives the adoption of advanced manufacturing methods, embeds producibility thinking from the earliest program phases, and builds the team, processes, and systems required to scale from prototype to full-rate manufacturing of solid rocket motors and energetic materials. With 8+ years of hands-on manufacturing engineering experience, deep DFM expertise, and demonstrated leadership, this is a player-coach role demanding both technical depth in advanced manufacturing methods and the range to build and develop a high-performing, mission-driven engineering organization.
In this role, the essential functions are:- Lead and develop a team of manufacturing engineers across the full product lifecycle - from early development programs through manufacturing development and rate production - establishing clear expectations, driving accountability, and building a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
- Serve as the technical authority for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and advanced manufacturing techniques across all active development programs - embedding manufacturing engineering input from the earliest design phases, guiding producibility reviews, and driving adoption of advanced methods including additive manufacturing, novel joining, robotic processing, and automated energetics handling - to reduce downstream risk, compress transition timelines, and improve producibility of solid rocket motors and energetic materials.
- Own the transition of energetic manufacturing processes from development and pilot scale to full production standing - defining transition criteria, production readiness gates, process controls, and qualification standards that ensure manufacturing programs can scale reliably and safely.
- Lead advanced manufacturing development efforts for new and evolving product lines - partnering with Process Engineering, Automation & Controls, Quality, Safety, and Compliance to develop and implement next-generation manufacturing systems, tooling, processes, and work instructions that meet program and DoD requirements, with a focus on driving Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) and technology maturation.
- Translate program requirements and DoD specifications into manufacturing strategies - working cross-functionally with Design Engineering, Process Engineering, and Program Management to ensure manufacturing input is integrated into program plans, schedules, and budgets from inception.
- Implement and drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies across manufacturing development and production environments, delivering measurable improvements in safety, quality, reliability, cost, and throughput; develop and report on key manufacturing performance metrics such as yield, defect rates, cycle time, and throughput.
- Manage relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to support manufacturing development objectives, including tooling vendors, equipment suppliers, and customer technical representatives.
- Recruit, onboard, and develop manufacturing engineering team members - identifying capability gaps as the group scales, building a hiring pipeline, and mentoring engineers toward greater technical depth and leadership capability.
Basic Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Chemical, or other relevant engineering discipline with 8 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, advanced manufacturing development, or a related field OR Master's degree in a relevant field with 8 years of experience OR 15 years of hands-on advanced manufacturing engineering experience in lieu of a degree.
- Minimum 3 years of experience leading and developing engineering teams, with demonstrated ability to set expectations, build team structure, drive accountability, and grow individual contributors in a fast-paced technical environment.
- Deep expertise in Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and advanced manufacturing techniques - with demonstrated experience leading producibility reviews, establishing DFM standards, and driving adoption of advanced manufacturing methods to improve producibility, reduce cost, and accelerate transition to production in a defense or aerospace environment.
- Proven ability to lead the transition of manufacturing processes from development and pilot scale to full production standing, including defining process controls, qualification criteria, and production readiness standards.
- Hands-on experience designing, developing, and implementing manufacturing processes, tooling, and systems in a production or manufacturing development environment - with direct experience creating and maintaining SOPs, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation to production standards.
- Proven ability to implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies with measurable results in manufacturing improvement, yield, or throughput.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate technical manufacturing status, risk, and recommendations into clear program reviews and stakeholder presentations.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety culture and ability to operate within rigorous regulatory environments including OSHA, ITAR, and hazardous or energetic materials standards.
- Strong self-starter with the ability to lead from the front in a fast-paced, mission-driven startup environment where building and delivering happen simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with energetic materials, solid rocket motor manufacturing, explosives, or other hazardous manufacturing environments.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt) with demonstrated application in manufacturing development or production environments.
Travel, Physical and Government Mandated Requirements- Travel up to 20%, 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.
The good faith base salary range for this role is
$145,000 - $170,000 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
$145,000-$170,000 USD
