Machining & Fabrication Manager at Estes Energetics – Penrose, Colorado

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 Manufacturing Machining & Fabrication Manager, with a focus on Energetics Manufacturing at our facility in Pueblo, CO. The Machining & Fabrication Manager responsible for leading and optimizing production processes within an energetics manufacturing environment, ensuring compliance with strict safety, quality, and regulatory standards. This position plays a key role in developing process improvements, supporting product scale-up, cost reduction, continuous improvement, and maintaining robust documentation for manufacturing operations compliant with DoD, ATF, OSHA, and ISO 9001:2015 requirements.

Essential Functions

Design, develop, and implement manufacturing systems, processes, and tooling for solid rocket motors and energetic materials. Work with a cross functional team to design new manufacturing processes and methodologies to support future production efforts or continuous improvement programs. Validate and continuously improve manufacturing processes for energetics and explosive components. Define preventive and predictive maintenance programs for production and support equipment to minimize downtime and extend asset life. Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to implement monitoring systems and equipment trend data for supporting predictive maintenance strategies. Ensure all maintenance and calibration requirements comply with safety and regulatory obligations for explosive processing. Support capital improvement projects and equipment upgrades from specification through commissioning. Performing both conceptual tasks and hands-on tasks such as machine and system design and assembly, fabrication, and machining. Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions related to process deviations, equipment failures, and yield losses. Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation such as SOPs, work instructions, and maintenance schedules. Provide technical training to operators, mechanics, and junior engineers on standardized maintenance and operational practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement Lean, 5S, and Six Sigma concepts for process reliability and efficiency. Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), safety audits, and engineering change control reviews. Participate in audits, safety reviews, and technical transfer meetings between R&D and production.

Competencies, Experience, and Education

Required

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or 8 years related experience. 7+ years of manufacturing experience, with at least 5 years in supervisory roles. Strong understanding of hazardous materials handling, safety management systems, and regulatory compliance (ATF, DOT, OSHA 1910.109). Hands-on experience with process scale-up. 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. Demonstrated project management and leadership experience, including cross-functional collaboration. Proficiency with ERP and manufacturing documentation systems. Ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances or explosive handler permits. Eagerness to learn new ideas and put them into practice. Experience with automated manufacturing systems. Hands on skills such as machining, prototype fabrication, carpentry, electronics, etc.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. 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

Six Sigma Green Belt or higher preferred. Experience with handling and testing of energetic materials. Experience with production planning and scheduling Hands-on experience with inventory management systems CAD modeling experience (SolidWorks preferred). Interest in performing both conceptual tasks and hands-on tasks.

Supervisory Responsibility

Build and lead operations teams, facilities, and engineering personnel across Estes Energetics Colorado locations.

Work Environment

The work will be a balance of office work and manufacturing environments working with inert systems as well as energetic chemicals and explosives.

Physical Demands

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

Travel

This position may require minimal travel 5-15% potential

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position working a 9/80 schedule. Occasional overtime may be required during busy periods.

Benefits

Estes Energetics maintains a Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited time off.

Work Authorization

Must be a US citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual as defined in 8 USC 1324b. Must be able to hold a Department of War security clearance at the SECRET or higher level.

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.

The pay range for this role is:90,000 - 140,000 USD per year(Penrose)