Production Technology Development Engineering Manager

Description

The company works on space, defense, and national security technology, and this player-coach role leads the group that designs the AI-driven, automated, and data-driven systems used to make solid rocket motors and energetic materials.

The team owns the whole production technology stack: manufacturing AI, mechatronics, automation and controls, production software, and production databases. Several of these capabilities do not exist yet, so you will help build them.

This is an onsite role in Pueblo, CO, reporting to the Director of Operations. The company is a startup, and the role suits someone who can combine hands-on technical depth with the ability to grow and direct a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow a multidisciplinary engineering team across AI manufacturing, mechatronics, automation and controls, production software, and production databases. Set technical direction, build team structure, and hold people accountable.
• Develop and deploy AI-driven manufacturing and mechatronics solutions, such as machine vision inspection, predictive process control, anomaly detection, adaptive manufacturing algorithms, and integrated mechanical, electrical, and software equipment, to improve quality, yield, safety, and throughput on energetic materials and solid rocket motor lines.
• Oversee automation, controls, and production software work, including PLC programming, robotic cell integration, HMI and SCADA, manufacturing execution logic, process control, and equipment interfaces. Make sure systems are robust, production-ready, and meet NEC, UL508A, and C1D1/C2D1 requirements.
• Own the production database architecture and the data infrastructure that collects, stores, and presents process data, traceability records, quality metrics, and operational KPIs, so teams can decide in real time and keep improving.
• Turn program and production requirements into PTD roadmaps and manage the project portfolio. Work with Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Quality, Safety, and Compliance, and deliver systems on schedule, within budget, and ready to scale in production.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or computer engineering, computer science, mechatronics, or a related field, plus 8 years of experience in manufacturing technology, automation and controls, production software, or a related field. A master's degree in a relevant field with 6 years of experience also qualifies, as does 15 years of hands-on production technology and engineering experience in place of a degree.
• At least 3 years leading and developing engineering teams. You have set technical direction, built team structure, driven accountability, and grown engineers across disciplines in a fast-paced setting.
• Hands-on experience in two or more PTD disciplines: AI or machine learning in manufacturing, mechatronics design and integration, industrial automation and controls (PLC, robotics, HMI/SCADA), production software, or production database and data infrastructure. You also have enough depth in the remaining disciplines to lead the whole group technically.
• Experience leading production software or database development, using one or more languages or platforms such as Python, C, C++, structured text, or SQL, and understanding of software development lifecycle practices in industrial or manufacturing settings.
• A commitment to safety culture, strong written and verbal communication, and the ability to work within OSHA, ITAR, and hazardous or energetic materials rules. You are a self-starter who leads from the front.
• Must meet all eligibility requirements to obtain and keep applicable state and federal explosives licenses, including being 21 or older.
• Preferred: experience with energetic materials, solid rocket motor manufacturing, explosives, or other hazardous or classified manufacturing environments (C1D1/C2D1 or equivalent).
• Preferred: experience building or deploying digital manufacturing platforms, MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), or Industrial IoT architecture that connects automation, software, and data into one production technology stack.

Conditions

Onsite in Pueblo, CO, reporting to the Director of Operations.

Travel up to 15%, which may include overnights within the continental United States.

You must be able to lift, move, or carry up to 50 pounds, and be comfortable standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching in a manufacturing environment. Personal protective equipment is required.

Base salary range of $145,000 to $170,000 USD for Colorado. Your place in the range depends on experience, skills, and location. The range covers base salary only, not benefits or bonus and incentive pay, and may change in the future.

You must meet all eligibility requirements for applicable explosives licenses, with a drug-free workplace under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. §§ 8101 to 8106), Executive Order 12564, DoD Instruction 1010.09, and DFARS 252.226-7003. You must also pass any legally required background investigations.

To meet ITAR (22 CFR Parts 120 to 130) and EAR (15 CFR Parts 730 to 774) export rules, you must be a U.S. Person: a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). You must also be eligible to obtain any required export authorization from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The company welcomes applications from minority, female, disabled, and veteran candidates. The company may change the scope of the role at any time.

Benefits

• Flexible time off to recharge and keep a healthy balance between work and life.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families. The company pays a significant share of premiums, and many benefits are paid at 100% for employees.
• Gym memberships with more than 12,700 locations nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, and Chuze Fitness. No long-term contracts, and free on-demand workout videos before you enroll.
• 401(k) plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%.
• Company wellness programs for physical and mental well-being.
• Voluntary benefits and employee support resources.
• A highly competitive total compensation package, and the chance to work alongside a strong team in an innovative, mission-driven environment.