Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer

Voyager Technologies; Pueblo (CO); On-site; USD 115,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Time Off

Comprehensive health coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Voyager Technologies in Pueblo, CO, seeks a Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer to lead automation systems for rocket motor production. The role involves designing PLC control systems, collaborating with teams to enhance manufacturing processes, and mentoring junior engineers.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in electrical engineering and hands-on automation, with strong communication skills. Competitive salary range is $115,000 – $140,000. Join us in shaping the future of defense technology!

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 7 years of automation experience, or master's with 5 years.
• Extensive proficiency in PLC programming across multiple platforms.
• Proven experience with robotic systems in manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, commission, and maintain PLC-based control systems.
• Lead evaluation and deployment of automation solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed automation best practices.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotic system integration

Electrical design

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma methodologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Codesys

Beckhoff PLC

ABB robots

Job description

Voyager is an innovative defense, national security, and space technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission‑critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets, leading in the race for technological and operational superiority from the ground to space.

Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies

The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we’re building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers, and prepare us for what’s next. And we’re doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt, and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart. You’ll help lay the foundation for humanity’s future. Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We’re a company of doers, thinkers, and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality. If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person, forge the future with Voyager.

Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer – Pueblo, CO

This role reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager and is responsible for designing, deploying, and continuously improving automation and controls systems in support of solid rocket motor production and energetic materials manufacturing at Voyager Energetics. You will serve as a technical anchor and mentor with a clear path to lead the automation and controls group.

Essential Functions

• Design, program, commission, and maintain PLC‑based control systems and robotic integration across multiple hardware platforms (preferred experience in Codesys based PLC platforms like Beckhoff, Beijer and Wago, and ABB, Yaskawa, and Fanuc robot platforms) to support production of solid rocket motors and energetic materials— including structured text code development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Lead the 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 across solid rocket motor and energetic chemical production lines.
• Design electrical systems compliant with NEC and UL508A regulations, including systems for hazardous environments (C1D1/C2D1 classifications), and physically 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, and implement robust data acquisition and remote access functionality.
• Design HMI/SCADA screens and systems with an emphasis on operator simplicity, readability, and providing feedback necessary for rapid troubleshooting; create and maintain schematics, documentation, and bills of materials for all electrical and control systems.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Manufacturing, Manufacturing Development, Safety, and Compliance teams to embed automation and controls best practices into all phases of the product lifecycle, spanning short‑term R&D projects and long‑term production programs.
• Implement and drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies within 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— with a clear growth path toward leading the automation and controls group.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline with 7 years of experience in industrial automation and controls OR Master’s degree in a relevant field with 5 years of experience OR 11 years of hands‑on automation and controls experience in lieu of a 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 contexts, such as vision‑based inspection, predictive maintenance, or adaptive process control.
• Hands‑on experience physically building high‑quality electrical cabinets, running field wiring, and creating and maintaining electrical schematics, documentation, and bills of materials.
• Strong self‑starter with the ability to solve complex problems from first principles with minimal supervision, both independently and as a contributing team member in a fast‑paced startup environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly 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 other hazardous manufacturing environments (C1D1/C2D1 or equivalent).
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt) with demonstrated application in automated production environments.

Travel, Physical and Government‑Mandated Requirements

• Travel up to 10%, 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.
• Candidates must meet all eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain applicable state and federal explosives licenses, including minimum age requirements (21 and over), a drug‑free workplace in compliance with the Drug‑Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. 8101‑8106), Executive Order 12564, applicable Department of Defense directives including DoD Instruction 1010.09 and DFARS 252.226‑7003, and successful completion of any legally required background investigations.
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

The good faith base salary range for this role is $115,000 – $140,000 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.

Benefits

• 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 company match of up to 4% to help you build 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.

Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.

Colorado pay range: $115,000—$140,000 USD