Senior Performance Engineer Jobs in Folsom, CA (NOW HIRING)

Voyager is an innovative defense, national security and space 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.

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 Level V Modeling, Simulation, and Controls Engineer serves as a senior technical authority, leading complex modeling and control systems efforts across propulsion and aerospace programs. This individual is responsible for developing system architectures, designing and validating algorithms, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring modeling rigor in support of programmatic and customer objectives. This role requires deep domain expertise in solid rocket motor performance and controllable solids technologies, applying advanced modeling and control methodologies to support propulsion system development and integration.

• Lead the development of high-fidelity system models and control algorithms for propulsion, guidance, and flight control systems
• Develop system simulation architectures to support design, verification, and validation of aerospace control systems
• Perform detailed controllability studies of dynamic systems to assess response and regulation characteristics
• Architect control system topologies and define gain tuning methodologies for various system types
• Serve as the primary performance engineer for assigned programs, including requirements derivation, margin management, and internal/external performance trades
• Conduct system-level analysis and performance assessments, including Monte Carlo and sensitivity studies
• Apply physics-based modeling techniques to represent real-world system behavior with high fidelity
• Lead and contribute to ballistics modeling and performance analysis of solid rocket motor systems
• Lead modeling, simulation, and performance assessment of actuation systems for propulsion control systems and dynamic mechanisms, including integration into closed-loop control architectures.
• Aid customers in developing mission CONOPS and requirements thru propulsion system modeling and controls design
• Create, validate, and deploy advanced estimation techniques to enhance product performance and reduce cost
• Extend company capabilities in advanced control schemes, including state-space and modern control strategies
• Perform flight vehicle control simulation and analysis in support of propulsion concept development and company portfolio growth
• Guide modeling and simulation strategy for new programs and proposals
• Provide technical oversight across multidisciplinary teams (GNC, software, systems, test)
• Interface with customers to define requirements, present technical results, and support milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR)
• Mentor and review the work of junior engineers in model development, test support, and controls design
• Author and review technical documentation, including modeling reports, test plans, ICDs, and interface specifications
• Ensure models and simulations meet program standards for verification, validation, and configuration control
• Lead technical trade studies and support technology maturation planning for advanced control systems and propulsion concepts

• U.S. citizenship required due to government program requirements
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance
• Demonstrated ability to lead engineering efforts across full lifecycle—from concept development through verification and delivery
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and interpersonal skills with a collaborative, mission-focused mindset
• Strong systems thinking and ability to work across functional boundaries
• Deep technical background in modeling, control systems, and system dynamics
• Proven ability to interface with DoD customers and guide technical teams through complex problem-solving
• High standards for technical rigor and continuous improvement
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, technical risk management, and customer expectation management

• 10–15 years of experience in modeling and simulation, control systems, or algorithm development within aerospace or defense industries
• Deep expertise in dynamic modeling, control system design, and simulation architecture
• Extensive background in propulsion performance modeling, including solid rocket motors and controllable solids technology
• Experience with physics-based modeling of mechanical, thermal, and aerodynamic systems
• Understanding of customer-defined flight trajectory constraints and their influence on propulsion system modeling and control design
• Demonstrated success leading technical teams and delivering results under complex program requirements
• Prior experience with Department of Defense (DoD), MDA, or similar government programs is strongly preferred

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical, electrical engineering, or related STEM field from an accredited college/university
• Preferred: Master’s or Ph.D. in a related discipline from an accredited institution; may substitute for up to 2 years of experience

• Mastery of MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or equivalent tools for modeling and control system development
• Advanced understanding of classical and modern control techniques, including state-space control methods
• Skilled in model verification, validation, and integration into system architectures
• Strong capability in physics-based modeling and analysis of dynamic systems
• Solid understanding of ballistics modeling and propulsion system performance under varying mission profiles
• Generate SysML diagrams of product structure, product behavior, technical logic, engineering process, and test execution
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical leadership and stakeholder engagement
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage complex efforts across multiple programs

• Ability to travel up to 10% in support of program reviews, testing, and customer interface
• Must be comfortable working in secure or classified environments
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven development environment
• Committed to excellence in modeling, simulation, and control for national defense applications

Salary Range: $152,660 - $197,258

Voyager offers a comprehensive, total compensation package, which includes competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefit package, retirement savings, wellness program, and various other benefits. When you join our team, you’re not just an employee; you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.

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.

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.

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.

California pay range

$165,000—$220,000 USD