The Production Technology Development Engineering Manager will be located onsite in Pueblo, CO and reports to the Director of Operations. This role leads Voyager Energetics' Production Technology Development (PTD) engineering function - the group responsible for building the intelligent, automated, and data-driven systems that power solid rocket motor and energetic materials production. The PTD Manager owns the full stack of production-enabling technology: AI-driven manufacturing systems, mechatronics design and integration, automation and controls architecture, production software and programming, and the production databases that tie it all together. This is a builder's role at the intersection of software, hardware, and manufacturing - the right person brings deep technical credibility across multiple PTD disciplines, the leadership range to grow and direct a multidisciplinary engineering team, and the drive to turn cutting-edge technology into reliable, scalable production capability for the nation's most critical defense programs. With 8+ years of hands-on experience spanning manufacturing technology, automation, and production systems - and a clear vision for what AI-enabled manufacturing looks like in practice - this player-coach role demands both technical depth and the organizational ability to build what doesn't yet exist.

In this role, the essential functions are:

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of engineers spanning AI manufacturing systems, mechatronics, automation and controls, production software, and production database development - establishing clear technical direction, driving accountability, and building a culture of rigorous engineering and continuous innovation.
• Own the development and deployment of AI-driven manufacturing systems and mechatronics solutions - including machine vision inspection, predictive process control, anomaly detection, adaptive manufacturing algorithms, and integrated mechanical/electrical/software production equipment - that improve quality, yield, safety, and throughput across solid rocket motor and energetic materials production lines.
• Oversee automation and controls engineering and production software development - spanning PLC programming, robotic cell integration, HMI/SCADA systems, manufacturing execution logic, process control applications, and equipment interfaces - ensuring all systems are robust, production-ready, and compliant with NEC, UL508A, and C1D1/C2D1 requirements.
• Own production database architecture and the broader data infrastructure that captures, stores, and surfaces process data, traceability records, quality metrics, and operational KPIs - enabling real-time decision-making and continuous improvement across production operations.
• Translate program and production requirements into PTD technology development roadmaps - managing the group's project portfolio, collaborating cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Quality, Safety, and Compliance, and ensuring PTD systems are delivered on schedule, within budget, and supportable at production scale.

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Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or a related discipline with 8 years of experience in manufacturing technology, automation and controls, production software, or a related field OR Master's degree in a relevant field with 6 years of experience OR 15 years of hands-on production technology and engineering experience in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading and developing engineering teams, with demonstrated ability to set technical direction, build team structure, drive accountability, and grow engineers across multiple disciplines in a fast-paced environment.
• Hands-on experience across two or more PTD disciplines - AI/machine learning in a manufacturing context, mechatronics system design and integration, industrial automation and controls (PLC, robotics, HMI/SCADA), production software development, or production database and data infrastructure - with sufficient depth across the remaining disciplines to provide effective technical leadership of the full group.
• Experience leading production software or database development efforts, with proficiency in one or more relevant languages or platforms (e.g., Python, C/C++, C#, structured text, SQL) and an understanding of software development lifecycle practices in an industrial or manufacturing context.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety culture, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to operate within rigorous regulatory environments including OSHA, ITAR, and hazardous or energetic materials standards - with the self-starter drive to lead from the front in a fast-paced, mission-driven startup environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with energetic materials, solid rocket motor manufacturing, explosives, or other hazardous or classified manufacturing environments (C1D1/C2D1 or equivalent).
• Experience building or deploying digital manufacturing platforms, MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), or Industrial IoT architecture that integrate automation, software, and data systems into a unified production technology stack.

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.

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