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About the Role
Location: Pueblo, CO (onsite)
Reports To: Director of Operations
Type: Contract to hire
Travel: Up to 15%
Overview
Player coach role leading the Production Technology Development (PTD) group. PTD builds the automated, data driven systems behind solid rocket motor and energetic materials production, spanning AI manufacturing systems, mechatronics, automation and controls, production software, and production databases. This person is building the group from the ground up.
What You Will Do
Build and lead a multidisciplinary team across AI manufacturing, mechatronics, controls, software, and data
Deliver machine vision inspection, predictive process control, anomaly detection, and integrated production equipment
Oversee PLC programming, robotic cell integration, HMI/SCADA, MES logic, and equipment interfaces built to NEC, UL508A, and C1D1/C2D1 standards
Own production database architecture, traceability records, quality metrics, and operational KPIs
Turn program requirements into technology roadmaps and manage the group's project portfolio
Must Haves
BS in EE, ME, CompE, CS, Mechatronics or related with 8+ years in manufacturing technology, automation, or production software (MS with 6+, or 15+ years hands on without a degree)
3+ years leading and growing engineering teams
Hands on depth in two or more of: AI/ML in manufacturing, mechatronics, industrial automation (PLC, robotics, HMI/SCADA), production software, production data infrastructure
Led production software or database development in Python, C/C++, C#, structured text, or SQL
Nice to Haves
Energetics, solid rocket motor, explosives, or other hazardous manufacturing
MES, digital manufacturing platforms, or Industrial IoT architecture
Requirements
Onsite role. Remote is not an option.
US Person required for ITAR (US Citizen or Green Card holder)
Must be 21 or older and eligible for state and federal explosives licenses
Drug free workplace and background investigation
Able to lift 50 lbs and work on a manufacturing floor in PPE
Recruiter Notes (internal, remove before sending to candidates)
Posted FTE base: $145K to $170K
Manager's top leadership need. Screen for someone who has built a team from scratch, not just inherited one.
Controls plus software/data leadership is a rare combo. A strong controls leader with real software exposure is a viable profile.