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Salary: USD 140,000 - 170,000 / annual
Voyager Technologies is seeking a Principal Automation Software Engineer to serve as the senior technical authority for the design, development, and deployment of complex software systems supporting laboratory automation, robotics integration, and high-throughput data pipelines within the Defense & National Security segment. This is an onsite role based in Penrose, CO, reporting to the Production Technology Development Manager.
You will lead multi-phase automation programs from architecture design through commissioning, validation, and global deployment, owning software architecture, data flow design, and system integration strategies for robotic and mechatronic automation platforms. You will develop and maintain automation software pipelines for high-throughput testing, integrating proprietary sensors, robotic hardware, and custom data visualization tools, while overseeing software execution quality across integrated development teams and external suppliers.
Key responsibilities include leading software baseline definition and version control strategy for automation and instrumentation systems; chairing or providing senior-level support for software design and integration reviews; designing and implementing secure, scalable data handling routines including input validation, database architecture, and real-time visualization systems; and developing deployment packaging and update distribution strategies for global rollouts across multi-site installations.
You will serve as the primary software engineering interface to program management and internal customers, supporting technical interchange meetings, milestone reviews, proposal development, and new business capture activities. You will mentor and provide technical oversight to associate and mid-level software engineers, drive organizational software engineering process improvements, and implement continuous improvement initiatives within automated software development environments.
Collaboration is essential—you will work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Manufacturing Development, Safety, and Compliance teams to embed automation software best practices across all phases of the product lifecycle. Travel up to 20% within the continental United States is required, including possible overnights.
**Requirements:**
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related STEM discipline with 7+ years of automation software engineering or control systems development experience; OR Master's degree in relevant field with 5+ years of experience; OR 11+ years of hands-on automation software engineering experience in lieu of a degree.
- Demonstrated success leading the full software development lifecycle for complex automation or instrumentation systems—from requirements definition through deployment and site acceptance—including software baseline definition, version control strategy, and configuration management.
- Proven ability to architect scalable software systems integrating hardware, databases, and real-time data pipelines; proficiency in multiple programming languages including C#, Python, C/C++, and SQL.
- Experience integrating robotic hardware platforms (ABB, EPSON, FANUC, Cobots, Universal Robotics) and analytical instrumentation through custom software interfaces; skilled in robotic software integration and motion control.
- Demonstrated success managing software deployments across multiple sites or countries, including change management, tiered support structures, and self-installing deployment packaging.
- Strong problem-solving ability from first principles with minimal supervision, both independently and as a contributing team member in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to convey technical concepts to cross-functional stakeholders and executive audiences.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety culture and ability to operate within rigorous regulatory environments including OSHA, ITAR, and secure/classified work environments; must have or be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance.
- Must be 21 years or older and meet all eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain applicable state and federal explosives licenses.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State to conform to ITAR regulations.
**Preferred Qualifications:**
- Experience with energetic materials, solid rocket motor manufacturing, explosives, or other hazardous manufacturing environments.
- Background in laboratory automation, high-throughput testing systems, or analytical data pipeline development in a defense or national security context.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt) with demonstrated application in automated software development or production environments.
