Principal Automation Software Engineer

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 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.

In this role, the essential functions are:

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.

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

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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.

Travel, Physical and Government Mandated Requirements

Travel up to 20%, including the 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; use of personal protective equipment required.

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.

The good faith base salary range for this role is $140,000 – $170,000 at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary 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.

Colorado pay range$140,000—$170,000 USD