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Salary: USD 145,000 - 170,000 / annual
Voyager Technologies is seeking a Production Technology Development Engineering Manager to lead the engineering function responsible for building intelligent, automated, and data-driven systems that power solid rocket motor and energetic materials production. This is a builder's role at the intersection of software, hardware, and manufacturing, reporting to the Director of Operations.
You will lead and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team spanning AI manufacturing systems, mechatronics, automation and controls, production software, and production database development. You'll establish clear technical direction, drive accountability, and build a culture of rigorous engineering and continuous innovation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Owning 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 to improve quality, yield, safety, and throughput.
- Overseeing 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 compliance with NEC, UL508A, and C1D1/C2D1 requirements.
- Owning production database architecture and data infrastructure that captures, stores, and surfaces process data, traceability records, quality metrics, and operational KPIs to enable real-time decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Translating program and production requirements into PTD technology development roadmaps, managing the group's project portfolio, and collaborating cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Quality, Safety, and Compliance.
This role requires deep technical credibility across multiple production technology 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 critical defense programs. You'll operate in a fast-paced, mission-driven startup environment with up to 15% travel.
**Requirements:**
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or related discipline with 8 years of experience in manufacturing technology, automation and controls, production software, or related field; OR Master's degree in 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 production technology disciplines (AI/machine learning in manufacturing context, mechatronics system design and integration, industrial automation and controls, production software development, or production database and data infrastructure), with sufficient depth across remaining disciplines to provide effective technical leadership.
- Experience leading production software or database development efforts, with proficiency in one or more relevant languages or platforms (Python, C/C++, C#, structured text, SQL) and understanding of software development lifecycle practices in industrial or manufacturing context.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety culture, strong written and verbal communication skills, and ability to operate within rigorous regulatory environments including OSHA, ITAR, and hazardous or energetic materials standards.
- Must be 21 years or older, meet all eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain applicable state and federal explosives licenses, comply with Drug-Free Workplace Act requirements, and be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible to obtain required ITAR authorizations.
- Ability to lift, move, or carry items up to 50 pounds; comfortable standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching in manufacturing environment with personal protective equipment.
**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 integrating automation, software, and data systems.
