Facilities and Maintenance Manager at Estes Energetics

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

The Facilities Maintenance Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and performance of all production and support infrastructure across a highly specialized energetics and rocket manufacturing facility. This position offers the opportunity to own and shape the maintenance strategy for mission-critical systems that directly support advanced propulsion and defense programs.

In this role, you will lead preventive and corrective maintenance programs for complex process equipment and facility systems, including pressure vessels, pneumatic and automation controls, HVAC, utilities, and industrial infrastructure. You will be responsible for keeping operations running safely and efficiently in an environment where precision, discipline, and consequence-based decision making matter every day.

This role blends hands on technical expertise with strong people leadership and regulatory accountability. You will guide skilled maintenance teams, drive equipment reliability and continuous improvement, and ensure full compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards governing energetic materials and hazardous operations. The Facilities Maintenance Manager has a direct and lasting impact on operational uptime, workforce safety, and the successful execution of critical manufacturing programs.

Essential Functions

Develop and manage a preventive maintenance (PM) program to ensure facility equipment, utilities, and machinery remain in optimal condition. Lead and schedule maintenance technicians performing mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and instrumentation tasks. Establish maintenance performance metrics (downtime, MTBF, maintenance backlog) and implement continuous improvement targets. Manage maintenance documentation, records, and work orders in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Oversee and preform repair and calibration of mixers, presses, curing ovens, hoists, and other process equipment. Program and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems interfacing with gauges, sensors, and safety interlocks. Diagnose and maintain electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems supporting manufacturing lines and environmental controls. Support control system integration and process automation improvements in cooperation with Engineering. Maintain facility utilities including compressed air, nitrogen, vacuum, HVAC, and electrical distribution. Enforce compliance with explosive safety, electrical, and pressure system standards (NFPA, OSHA 1910, DoD, and ASME codes). Maintain records of inspections, calibrations, and PMs in compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and site quality management systems. Support safety audits, incident investigations, and system risk assessments for hazardous duty areas. Supervise maintenance staff, contractors, and vendors; manage scheduling, training, and performance. Prepare maintenance budgets and support capital equipment planning. Provide technical mentorship to technicians on electrical schematics, PLC logic, and mechanical systems. Coordinate with engineering teams on process changes, equipment installations, and facility expansions. Promote a culture of proactive maintenance and safety-first behavior across all maintenance operations.

Competencies, Experience, and Education

Required

Knowledge of energetic material handling and hazardous production operations. Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to manage and motivate cross-functional teams. Strong technical expertise in mechanical systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, and industrial electrical systems. Proficiency in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and integration with control systems. 7 to 10 years of progressive maintenance experience in industrial or manufacturing environments5 years in a supervisory or lead maintenance roleKnowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance approaches using CMMS tools. Excellent leadership, planning, and problem-solving abilities in a team-oriented environment. Ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and construction blueprints. Strong communication and documentation skills with focus on safety, reliability, and compliance. 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

In-depth knowledge of energetic material handling, rocket motor assembly, and hazardous production operations. Certified in or trained on OSHA safety, DoD Explosives Safety, and ISO 9001 internal auditing. Familiarity with ASME pressure vessel and piping codes, OSHA 1910.169 (air receivers), and NFPA standards

Supervisory Responsibility

Direct daily activities of maintenance personnel and contractors in assigned work areas. Train personnel in operating procedures, safety protocols, and technical tasks. Conduct regular performance evaluations and recommend advancement, corrective action, or additional training as needed.

Work Environment

The work will primarily be in an office and manufacturing environment, including outdoors.

Physical Demands

Sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer Use of mouse/computer keyboard May have to lift up to 50 pounds Frequent movement through a manufacturing environment Use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the work location

Travel

This position may require minimal travel (

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Working a 9/80 schedule

Work Authorization

Applicants are required to 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:

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:70,000 - 90,000 USD per year(Pueblo, Colorado)

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