Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer Verified today

About the Role

You will be based onsite in Pueblo, CO, reporting to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager. You will design, deploy, and continuously improve automation and controls systems for solid rocket motor production and energetic materials manufacturing at Voyager Energetics, serving as a technical anchor and mentor with a 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 (Codesys-based platforms like Beckhoff, Beijer and Wago; ABB, Yaskawa, and Fanuc robots). Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot structured text code.
• 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, including systems 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 robust data acquisition and remote access functionality.
• Design HMI/SCADA screens emphasizing operator simplicity and rapid 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 best practices across product lifecycle phases.
• Implement and drive 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, with a growth path toward leading the automation and controls group.

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 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 able 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 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 and 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.

Physical Requirements and Travel

• Travel up to 10%, including 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.
• Must meet all eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain applicable state and federal explosives licenses, including minimum age of 21 and over. Must comply with Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, Executive Order 12564, Department of Defense directives including DoD Instruction 1010.09, DFARS 252.226-7003, and successful completion of legally required background investigations.
• 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 required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State to conform to ITAR regulations.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range: $115,000 to $140,000 USD. Actual salary depends on experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive.

• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families, with significant portion of premiums covered by company
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ nationwide options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 4%
• Company wellness programs supporting physical and mental well-being
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources