Principal Automation Software Engineer

Voyager Technologies • Pueblo, CO

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Automation Software Engineer will be located onsite in Penrose, CO and reports to the Production Technology Development Manager. This role serves as the senior technical authority for the design, development, and deployment of complex software systems supporting laboratory automation, robotics integration, and high-throughput data pipelines within Voyager's Defense & National Security segment. With 7+ years of progressive experience, this individual provides technical direction across software architecture, control systems, and data infrastructure — driving organizational strategy, process improvement, and software technology development at an enterprise R&D level.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related STEM discipline with 7 years of experience in automation software engineering, control systems development, or a related technical leadership role OR Master's degree in a relevant field with 5 years of experience OR 11 years of hands-on automation software engineering experience in lieu of a degree.
• Demonstrated success leading the full software development lifecycle for complex automation or instrumentation systems — from requirements definition through deployment and site acceptance — including software baseline definition, version control strategy, and configuration management.
• Proven ability to architect scalable software systems integrating hardware, databases, and real-time data pipelines, with proficiency in multiple programming languages including C#, Python, C/C++, and SQL.
• Experience integrating robotic hardware platforms (ABB, EPSON, FANUC, Cobots, Universal Robotics) and analytical instrumentation through custom software interfaces; skilled in robotic software integration and motion control.
• Demonstrated success managing software deployments across multiple sites or countries, including change management, tiered support structures, and self-installing deployment packaging.
• 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 and executive audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety culture and ability to operate within rigorous regulatory environments including OSHA, ITAR, and secure/classified work environments; must have or be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with energetic materials, solid rocket motor manufacturing, explosives, or other hazardous manufacturing environments.
• Background in laboratory automation, high-throughput testing systems, or analytical data pipeline development in a defense or national security context.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt) with demonstrated application in automated software development or production environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead software engineer for multi-phase automation programs, from architecture design through commissioning, validation, and global deployment — owning software architecture, data flow design, and system integration strategies for robotic and mechatronic automation platforms.
• Develop and maintain automation software pipelines for high-throughput testing, integrating proprietary sensors, robotic hardware, and custom data visualization tools; oversee software execution quality across integrated development teams and external suppliers, ensuring technical, cost, and schedule compliance.
• Lead software baseline definition, version control strategy, and configuration management for automation and instrumentation systems; chair or provide senior-level support for software design and integration reviews, ensuring readiness against technical performance metrics.
• Design and implement secure, scalable data handling routines — including input validation, database architecture, and real-time visualization systems — and develop deployment packaging and update distribution strategies to support consistent, global software rollouts across multi-site installations.
• Serve as the primary software engineering interface to program management and internal customers, supporting technical interchange meetings, milestone reviews, proposal development, cost estimation, and new business capture activities.
• Mentor and provide technical oversight to associate and mid-level software engineers; drive organizational software engineering process improvements, documentation standards, and knowledge management best practices.
• Implement and drive continuous improvement initiatives within automated software development environments, delivering measurable improvements in safety, quality, reliability, and throughput.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Manufacturing Development, Safety, and Compliance teams to embed automation software best practices across all phases of the product lifecycle, spanning short-term R&D projects and long-term production programs.

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!
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%, supporting 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal