Simulation Engineer Jobs in Sacramento, 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 IV Modeling, Simulation, and Controls Engineer contributes to the design, development, and analysis of control systems and simulation architectures in support of propulsion and aerospace systems. This position supports program execution through high-fidelity modeling, algorithm development, and performance assessments. The engineer applies domain expertise in solid rocket motors and controllable solids technologies to model system behavior and contribute to design maturity and program success. This role requires increasing independence and technical ownership, working closely with other engineering disciplines, project teams, and customers.

• Develop high-fidelity models and control algorithms for propulsion, flight control, and guidance subsystems
• Support creation of system simulation architectures to enable design iteration, verification, and validation
• Perform controllability studies of dynamic systems to assess system behavior under perturbations and control strategies
• Define control system topologies and support gain tuning methodology across various architectures
• Support program performance engineering through requirement derivation, margin analysis, and performance trade studies
• Conduct system-level performance assessments using Monte Carlo, sensitivity, and parametric studies
• Apply physics-based modeling to develop representative simulations of mechanical, thermal, and aerodynamic systems
• Contribute to ballistics modeling and propulsion system performance analysis for solid rocket motors
• Develop and validate models of actuation systems for propulsion control systems and dynamic mechanisms, supporting integration into closed-loop control architectures and performance assessments.
• Aid customers in developing mission CONOPS and requirements thru propulsion system modeling and controls design
• Develop and implement estimation techniques to improve model accuracy and system insight
• Extend modeling capability in state-space and modern control methods
• Support simulation and analysis of flight vehicle control behavior for propulsion concept evaluation
• Contribute to modeling and simulation planning for new programs and R&D initiatives
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (GNC, software, systems, test) to ensure integration of modeling products
• Participate in customer engagements, technical reviews, and milestone events (SRR, PDR, CDR)
• Mentor junior engineers and support peer reviews of modeling and controls work products
• Author technical documents including model reports, simulation plans, interface definitions, and configuration records
• Ensure simulation models meet program requirements for verification, validation, and traceability
• Support technical trade studies and concept maturation of control and propulsion systems

• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance
• Demonstrated ability to lead engineering tasks across lifecycle phases—from requirements through verification and delivery
• Strong systems thinking and ability to work across functional boundaries
• Effective leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills with a mission-driven mindset
• Solid technical foundation in modeling, control systems, and dynamic system behavior
• Ability to interface with DoD customers and support team decision-making on complex technical problems
• Commitment to technical rigor, quality execution, and continuous improvement
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, technical risk identification, and collaborative problem solving

• 7–10 years of experience in modeling, simulation, control systems, or estimation algorithm development in aerospace or defense industries
• Strong background in dynamic system modeling, control system design, and simulation infrastructure
• Experience in propulsion modeling, including solid rocket motors and controllable solids performance
• Working knowledge of physics-based modeling for mechanical, thermal, and aerodynamic subsystems
• Demonstrated experience contributing to complex program deliverables and technical reviews
• Prior experience with Department of Defense (DoD), MDA, or equivalent government programs 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 degree in systems engineering or a related discipline is desirable and may substitute for 1 year of experience from an accredited college/university

• Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or equivalent modeling and control toolchains
• Strong understanding of classical and modern control techniques, including state-space control
• Competence in verification and validation of models and their use within broader system architectures
• Capable of physics-based modeling and multi-domain simulation development
• Experience in propulsion system modeling and basic ballistics performance assessments
• Ability to generate SysML diagrams of product structure, product behavior, technical logic, engineering process, and test execution
• Clear and effective communicator in both technical documentation and verbal presentations
• Strong time management and collaboration skills in a multi-program environment

• Ability to travel up to 10% for technical reviews, tests, or customer engagements
• Comfortable working in secure or classified environments
• Self-motivated and adaptable in a fast-paced, high-accountability development setting
• Committed to advancing aerospace modeling and control capabilities in national defense

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
• 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.

$115,000—$170,000 USD