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Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Voyager Technologies - Pueblo, CO, United States - In-office - posted 2026-09-22

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Salary: USD 145,000 - 170,000 / annual

Voyager Technologies is an innovative space, defense, and national security technology company developing transformative, mission-critical solutions. This Manufacturing Engineering Manager role is based in Pueblo, CO and reports to the Senior Manufacturing Engineering Manager. You will lead Voyager Energetics' manufacturing engineering function with responsibility for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and advanced manufacturing techniques across the full product lifecycle—from concept through manufacturing development to rate production. As DoD investment in the solid rocket motor industrial base accelerates and production demand surges, you will drive adoption of advanced manufacturing methods, embed producibility thinking from earliest program phases, and build the team, processes, and systems required to scale from prototype to full-rate manufacturing of solid rocket motors and energetic materials. Key responsibilities include: - Lead and develop a team of manufacturing engineers across the full product lifecycle, establishing expectations, driving accountability, and building a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement - Serve as technical authority for DFM and advanced manufacturing techniques across all active development programs, embedding manufacturing engineering input from earliest design phases and driving adoption of advanced methods including additive manufacturing, novel joining, robotic processing, and automated energetics handling - 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 - Lead advanced manufacturing development efforts for new and evolving product lines, partnering with Process Engineering, Automation & Controls, Quality, Safety, and Compliance to develop next-generation manufacturing systems, tooling, processes, and work instructions - Translate program requirements and DoD specifications into manufacturing strategies, working cross-functionally with Design Engineering, Process Engineering, and Program Management - 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 - Manage relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners including tooling vendors, equipment suppliers, and customer technical representatives - Recruit, onboard, and develop manufacturing engineering team members, identifying capability gaps as the group scales and mentoring engineers toward greater technical depth and leadership capability Travel up to 20% within the continental United States, including possible overnights. Physical requirements include ability to lift up to 50 pounds and comfort with manufacturing environment activities (standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching) with required personal protective equipment. Candidates must meet all eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain applicable state and federal explosives licenses, including minimum age of 21, drug-free workplace compliance, and successful completion of required background investigations. Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual, or eligible to obtain required ITAR authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. **Requirements:** - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Chemical, or other relevant engineering discipline with 8 years of manufacturing engineering experience, OR Master's degree in 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 fast-paced technical environments - 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 in defense or aerospace environments - Proven ability to lead 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 production or manufacturing development environments, 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 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 ability to lead from the front in fast-paced, mission-driven startup environment **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

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