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Salary: USD 115,000 - 140,000 / annual
Voyager Technologies is a defense, national security, and space technology company developing mission-critical solutions for national security and space exploration. This Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer role is based in Pueblo, CO, reporting to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager, and is responsible for designing, deploying, and continuously improving automation and controls systems for solid rocket motor production and energetic materials manufacturing. The role includes a clear path to lead the automation and controls group.
Key responsibilities include:
• Design, program, commission, and maintain PLC-based control systems and robotic integration across multiple hardware platforms (Codesys-based platforms like Beckhoff, Beijer, Wago, and robot platforms including ABB, Yaskawa, Fanuc), including structured text code development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Lead evaluation, selection, and deployment of automation solutions including robotic work cells, machine vision systems, and machine learning-driven process optimization to improve safety, throughput, yield, and quality.
• Design electrical systems compliant with NEC and UL508A regulations for hazardous environments (C1D1/C2D1 classifications), build high-quality electrical cabinets, and install field wiring to production standards.
• Design and implement plant networking architecture connecting sensors, valves, PLCs, and control room systems using analog (4-20 mA) and Ethernet protocols; implement data acquisition and remote access functionality.
• Design HMI/SCADA screens emphasizing operator simplicity and rapid troubleshooting; create and maintain schematics, documentation, and bills of materials.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Manufacturing Development, Safety, and Compliance teams to embed automation best practices across R&D and production programs.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies in automated production environments, delivering measurable improvements in safety, quality, reliability, cost, and throughput.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and technicians in controls programming, electrical design, troubleshooting, and automation best practices.
Physical requirements include ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch in a manufacturing environment with PPE required. Travel up to 10% within the continental US. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements for state and federal explosives licenses (21+ years old, drug-free workplace compliance, background investigation). Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for ITAR authorization.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related engineering discipline with 7 years of industrial automation and controls experience; OR Master's degree in relevant field with 5 years of experience; OR 11 years of hands-on automation and controls experience in lieu of degree.
• Extensive, platform-agnostic proficiency in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and optimization across multiple vendor platforms.
• Proven experience designing and integrating robotic systems into manufacturing environments, including robotic work cells, end-of-arm tooling, safety systems, and motion control.
• Working knowledge of machine learning applications in manufacturing (vision-based inspection, predictive maintenance, adaptive process control).
• Hands-on experience building high-quality electrical cabinets, running field wiring, creating and maintaining electrical schematics, documentation, and bills of materials.
• Strong self-starter able to solve complex problems from first principles with minimal supervision, both independently and in team settings in fast-paced startup environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to convey technical concepts to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety culture and ability to operate within rigorous regulatory environments including OSHA, ITAR, and hazardous/energetic materials standards.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with energetic materials, explosives, or hazardous manufacturing environments (C1D1/C2D1 or equivalent).
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt) with demonstrated application in automated production environments.
