Principal Automation Software Engineer

The role

The Principal Automation Software Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for designing, developing, and deploying complex software systems. This role supports laboratory automation, robotics integration, and high-throughput data pipelines within the Defense & National Security segment.

What you will do

• Serve as lead software engineer for multi-phase automation programs.
• Own software architecture, data flow design, and system integration strategies.
• Develop and maintain automation software pipelines for high-throughput testing.
• Oversee software execution quality across integrated development teams and external suppliers.
• Lead software baseline definition, version control strategy, and configuration management.
• Design and implement secure, scalable data handling routines.
• Serve as the primary software engineering interface to program management and internal customers.
• Mentor and provide technical oversight to associate and mid-level software engineers.
• Implement and drive continuous improvement initiatives within automated software development environments.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Manufacturing Development, Safety, and Compliance teams.

Required 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, con
• Success leading the full software development lifecycle for complex automation or instrumentation systems.
• Ability to architect scalable software systems integrating hardware, databases, and real-time data pipelines.
• Proficiency in C#, Python, C/C++, and SQL.
• Experience integrating robotic hardware platforms (ABB, EPSON, FANUC, Cobots, Universal Robotics) and analytical instrumentation.
• Experience managing software deployments across multiple sites or countries.
• Ability to solve complex problems from first principles with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to safety culture and ability to operate within regulatory environments including OSHA, ITAR, and secure/classified work environments.
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance.
• Ability to lift, move, or carry items or equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch in a manufacturing environment.

Nice to have

• 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).

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%
• Company wellness programs
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required export authorizations.
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance.
• Must meet all eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain applicable state and federal explosives licenses, including minimum age requirements (21 and over).
• Must be able to pass a drug-free workplace check and successful completion of legally required background investigations.

About the company

Voyager is an innovative space, defense, and national security technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions.