Estes Energetics, along with its subsidiary Goex Industries, is an American manufacturer of black powder, chemicals, and rocket motors. Our agile and experienced team is proud to make products that support the Department of Defense, strengthen domestic production, preserve history, serve hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts, and ignite a passion for rocketry in our youth. Whether we’re performing research into energetic materials and products, or standing up American-made production, count on us to find a solution. 

Summary

Estes Energetics is strengthening the defense industrial base by revitalizing the manufacturing of solid rocket motors. In support of this work, we are searching for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer at our facility in Penrose, CO.  The Senior Manufacturing Engineer will focus on developing new rocket motor manufacturing processes, testing, and performing related research efforts. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 6 years of practical, hands-on experience in rocket propulsion, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a similar field.  

Essential Functions

• Design, develop, implement, and monitor manufacturing and quality systems, processes, procedures, and tooling for solid rocket motors and energetic materials. 
• Collaborate with team members to ensure adherence to industry standards in safety, quality, performance, and reliability. 
• Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders to support planning, budgeting, process, and technical reviews. 
• Stay up to date with latest energetics processing and manufacturing industry trends. 

Competencies, Experience, and Education 

Required 

• BS in mechanical, aerospace, chemical, electrical, or other relevant engineering field. 
• Minimum 6 years of experience in manufacturing, automation, rocket propulsion development, chemical engineering, quality, safety or a similar field. 
• Eagerness to learn new ideas and put them into practice. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. 
• Ability to be a self-starter and solve complex problems from first principles with minimal supervision, both independently and as a member of a team. 
• Champion a culture of quality and operational excellence across the organization.
• • 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. 

Desired

• Experience with handling and testing of energetic materials. 
• Experience with automated manufacturing systems 
• CAD modeling experience (SolidWorks preferred). 
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and six sigma methodologies. 
• Hands on skills such as machining, prototype fabrication, carpentry, electronics, etc.   
• Interest in performing both conceptual tasks and hands-on tasks. 

Work Environment 

The work will be primarily in office and manufacturing environments. 

Physical Demands 

• Ability to lift 50 pounds. 
• Comfortable sitting, standing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. 
• Exposure to industrial machines, heat, cold, and explosives. 
• Frequent movement through a manufacturing environment. 
• Use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the work location. 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work 

This is a full-time position. Typical workdays are on a 5-day week. Employees are expected to work 40 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Occasional overtime may be required during busy periods. 

Benefits 

Estes Energetics maintains a comprehensive benefits package including: 

• Health insurance through an ICHRA. 
• Life and disability insurance – 100% paid by company. 
• 401(k) retirement plan with 7% company match. 
• Single, comprehensive paid time off (PTO) policy. 
• 8 Paid Holidays

Work Authorization 

Must be a US citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual as defined in 8 USC 1324b. 

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Program 

Estes Energetics provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Additional information is available at: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.