Principal Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer Verified today

The Role

You will be located onsite in Pueblo, CO, reporting to the Production Technology Development Engineering Manager. You serve as the principal technical authority on automation and controls at Voyager Energetics, defining standards, resolving complex engineering problems, and setting technical direction for automation systems across solid rocket motor production and energetic materials manufacturing.

What You Will Do

• Establish standards, architectural patterns, and design guidelines for industrial automation and controls; mentor engineers across the automation and controls group to build capability and elevate technical rigor.
• Lead design, programming, commissioning, and continuous improvement of PLC-based control systems and robotic integration across multiple hardware platforms, including ladder logic, structured text, and function block development (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Fanuc, and others).
• Define and drive the automation technology roadmap - evaluating emerging platforms including machine vision, machine learning-driven process optimization, and advanced robotics - and translate roadmap into deployable solutions that improve safety, yield, throughput, and quality.
• Design electrical systems compliant with NEC and UL508A regulations, including hazardous environment classifications (C1D1/C2D1); 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; design data architecture and processing systems to implement statistical process control (SPC) and plant-wide optimization.
• Design HMI/SCADA systems with emphasis on operator simplicity, readability, and troubleshooting feedback; 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 across all phases of the product lifecycle.
• Provide authoritative technical guidance, peer review, and mentorship across the automation and controls group, setting the standard for engineering rigor, documentation quality, and safety culture.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related engineering discipline with 10 years of industrial automation and controls experience; OR Master's degree in relevant field with 8 years of experience; OR 14 years of hands-on automation and controls experience in lieu of a degree.
• Recognized technical authority in PLC ladder logic programming, structured text, and function block development across multiple vendor platforms (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, AutomationDirect, Fanuc, Mitsubishi, or equivalent), with demonstrated track record of resolving complex, cross-disciplinary automation challenges.
• Proven experience designing, integrating, and commissioning robotic systems in manufacturing environments, including robotic work cells, end-of-arm tooling, safety systems, and motion control.
• Expert-level knowledge of NEC and UL508A electrical design standards, including hazardous area classification (C1D1/C2D1), with hands-on experience building high-quality electrical cabinets and running field wiring to production standards.
• Deep proficiency in 4-20 mA and Ethernet-based plant networking, HMI/SCADA development, and data architecture for statistical process control (SPC) and plant-wide optimization.
• Strong self-starter with proven ability to define technical direction, establish standards, and drive complex programs to completion with minimal supervision in a fast-paced startup environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with energetic materials, explosives, or other hazardous manufacturing environments (C1D1/C2D1 or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience applying machine learning or advanced analytics in manufacturing contexts - including vision-based inspection, predictive maintenance, or adaptive process control.
• Demonstrated experience creating and maintaining 2D electrical schematics and 3D CAD models (SolidWorks or equivalent) to production documentation standards.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt) with demonstrated application in automated production environments.

Travel and Physical Requirements

• Travel up to 15%, 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; 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), drug-free workplace compliance in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, 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.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range: $140,000-$170,000 USD. 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.

Voyager offers:

• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families, with significant company premium coverage and many benefits paid at 100%
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide
• 401(k) retirement plan with 50% company match on contributions up to 8%
• Company wellness programs supporting physical and mental well-being
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources