Automation and Controls Technician

Voyager is an innovative space, defense, and national security 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 to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from 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. 

The Automation and Controls Technician supports the installation, wiring, testing, and maintenance of PLC-based control systems, robotic work cells, electrical cabinets, and field instrumentation across Voyager Energetics’ solid rocket motor and energetic materials manufacturing operations. Working under the direction of the Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer and the Manufacturing Engineering Manager, this role provides hands-on technical support across both short-term R&D projects and long-term production programs — with a clear growth path toward greater autonomy and technical ownership.

In this role, the essential functions are:

• Assist in the installation, wiring, and commissioning of PLC-based control systems across multiple hardware platforms (including Beckhoff, Beijer, and Wago) and robotic systems (including ABB, Yaskawa, and Fanuc) under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Build, wire, and perform quality checks on electrical cabinets; run field wiring and conduit in compliance with NEC and UL508A requirements, including in classified hazardous environments (C1D1/C2D1).
• Support troubleshooting of electrical faults and control system malfunctions using test equipment including multimeters, meggers, and diagnostic software; assist in root cause analysis and corrective action under engineer direction.
• Assist with plant networking tasks connecting sensors, valves, PLCs, and control room systems using analog (4–20 mA) and Ethernet-based protocols; support data acquisition setup and remote access configuration.
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance on automation and control system components; support calibration checks and participate in commissioning and startup activities for new installations.
• Maintain accurate documentation including as-built wiring schematics, bills of materials, calibration records, and maintenance logs in accordance with production standards.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and explosive ordnance handling protocols; apply and enforce proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and maintain arc flash boundary awareness in compliance with NFPA 70E and site-specific requirements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Safety, and Compliance teams; report irregularities, safety incidents, or nonconforming conditions promptly to supervision.
• Support energetics production operations by assisting with the installation, integration, and maintenance of automated mixing, dispensing, and processing systems used in solid rocket motor propellant formulation and assembly — working within strict quantity-distance, static control, and explosive ordnance handling protocols at all times.
• Assist operations and manufacturing teams with troubleshooting production equipment during energetics campaigns — including mixing and casting equipment, precision scales and dispensing systems, and environmental monitoring instrumentation — minimizing downtime while maintaining full compliance with ATF, DoD, and site safety requirements.

If your experience aligns with our basic qualifications and you are inspired by our mission, we’d like to connect. If you don’t see the right role right now, Join Our Talent Community and stay connected as we continue to build what’s next.

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree or certificate in Electrical Technology, Industrial Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field preferred OR 1–3 years of hands-on experience in industrial electrical, controls, or automation work in lieu of a degree.
• Basic mechanical and electrical aptitude with hands-on experience with hand tools, power tools, and electrical test equipment (e.g., multimeter, voltage tester).
• Familiarity with reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and basic ladder logic; ability to follow written work instructions accurately in a controlled manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety culture with working knowledge of lockout/tagout (LOTO), arc flash awareness, and general OSHA electrical safety requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and disciplined adherence to procedures; basic computer and data entry proficiency (Word, Excel, or ERP system) for documentation purposes.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and eagerness to learn in a fast-paced, mission-driven startup environment.
• Completion of DoD Explosives Safety or equivalent in-house safety training required within the first 30 days of employment.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain State and Federal explosives licenses, including:
• Be 21 years of age or older.
• Pass pre-employment drug test.
• Pass State and Federal background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to PLC programming environments (Codesys, TwinCAT, or similar) or basic structured text / ladder logic coursework.
• Familiarity with robotic systems, machine vision, or sensor/actuator wiring in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, energetics, or other hazardous manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Travel, Physical and Government Mandated Requirements

• Minimal travel expected; primarily onsite in Penrose, CO and Pueblo, CO.
• Ability to lift, move, or carry items or equipment up to 50 pounds. Ability to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl for extended periods in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in a high-hazard energetic manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, and explosives. Ability to wear required PPE, including flame-resistant clothing, and comply with site-specific requirements such as end-of-day showering.
• 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 (Drug-Free Federal Workplace), 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.

Compensation

The good faith hourly range for this role is $27-32.50 / hour at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base compensation 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.  

• 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 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

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.  

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120–130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730–774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

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.