Systems Engineer V - MSAD

Voyager Technologies•Folsom, CA

About The Position

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. The role develops system architectures, designs and validates algorithms, mentors junior engineers, and ensures modeling rigor in support of program and customer objectives. It requires deep expertise in solid rocket motor performance and controllable solids technologies, using advanced modeling and control methods for propulsion system development and integration. The engineer serves as the primary performance engineer for assigned programs and provides technical oversight across multidisciplinary teams. The position involves customer engagement, support for program reviews, technical documentation, and guidance on modeling and simulation strategy for new programs and proposals. The role requires U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one. Travel may be required up to 10%.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required due to government program requirements.
Must have or be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance.
10–15 years of experience in modeling and simulation, control systems, or algorithm development within aerospace or defense industries.
Bachelor’s degree in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related STEM field from an accredited college or university.
Deep technical background in modeling, control systems, and system dynamics.
Demonstrated ability to lead engineering efforts across the full lifecycle, from concept development through verification and delivery.
Strong leadership, mentoring, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
Strong systems thinking and ability to work across functional boundaries.
Proven ability to interface with DoD customers and guide technical teams through complex problem-solving.
High standards for technical rigor and continuous improvement.
Skill in stakeholder engagement, technical risk management, and customer expectation management.
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.
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.
Skill 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.
Ability to 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.
Commitment to excellence in modeling, simulation, and control for national defense applications.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or Ph.D. in a related discipline from an accredited institution; may substitute for up to 2 years of experience.
Prior experience with Department of Defense (DoD), MDA, or similar government programs is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead development of high-fidelity system models and control algorithms for propulsion, guidance, and flight control systems.
Develop system simulation architectures for design, verification, and validation of aerospace control systems.
Perform controllability studies of dynamic systems to assess response and regulation characteristics.
Architect control system topologies and define gain-tuning methodologies.
Serve as primary performance engineer for assigned programs, including requirements derivation, margin management, and internal and external performance trades.
Conduct system-level analysis and performance assessments, including Monte Carlo and sensitivity studies.
Apply physics-based modeling 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 controls and dynamic mechanisms, including integration into closed-loop control architectures.
Assist customers in developing mission CONOPS and requirements through 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 for propulsion concept development and company portfolio growth.
Guide modeling and simulation strategy for new programs and proposals.
Provide technical oversight across GNC, software, systems, and test teams.
Interface with customers to define requirements, present technical results, and support milestone reviews such as SRR, PDR, and CDR.
Mentor and review junior engineers' work 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.