Tech Principal I

Title: Technical Principal I

Segment:   Voyager - Defense & National Security

Location: Folsom, CA

Job Type: Full Time  - Hybrid

Relocation Eligible: No

Company Description: 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.

Valley Tech Systems (VTS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Voyager Technologies, is an innovative engineering company that is leading the way in controllable solid propulsion and open architecture airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) technologies. VTS’ innovative solutions address technology needs across the U.S. Government and commercial space industry. reentry systems, missile defense, commercial and DoD space launch systems, small launch vehicles, and payloads.

At VTS our mission is to supply the most advanced and innovative solutions to complex problems found in the Department of Defense weapon systems. We approach these problems using a “mission-focused”, “customer first” engineering approach. Working at VTS means you will be engaging with industry pioneers at a small company who all work collaboratively to make big things happen.

Position Description:

Provide support with the company’s technology programs and perform a specialized function within the Chief Technology Officer’s advanced programs department. Provide expert level knowledge to grow market share for current products and develop new products to penetrate new markets and customers. Represent the company at industry briefings, meetings, and reviews. Individual will occasionally attend industry conferences and publish work performed under various contracts for various customers. Supervise engineering teams for technology programs. Write and review technical documents including reports, test plans, and proposals. Collaborate with program management to define project scope and manage the technical execution of the scope. May have direct management responsibilities.

Responsibilities: 

• Engineering Leadership: (50%)
  • Engineering leadership on numerous development programs: Chief Engineer, Technical Lead, Lead System engineer
  • Apply engineering experience to evaluate and critique propulsion system and component design, performance, and analyses to assess technical and programmatic risks
  • Develop new engineering tools to build additional capability and increase productivity
  • Develop and maintain advanced program(s) technology road maps, risk and mitigation planning
  • Perform as lead technical reviewer on numerous program reviews
  • Serve as technical lead and conduct periodic customer discussions to ensure the program meets customer expectations, technical requirements, and overall satisfaction
• Technical Marketing (50%)
  • Develop and maintain customer executive, program management, and technical relationships
  • Understanding customer requirements and how VTS technologies can be applied
  • Conduct advanced propulsion architecture development through applying VTS technologies
  • Identifying technology gaps to meet future customer requirements and develop tech road maps to fill gaps
  • Presenting to customers technical and programs solutions to address requirements
  • Initiate and conduct interactions with customers regarding future program structures, costs, and contracts
  • Lead VTS technical personnel to develop advanced propulsion system concepts and program plans
  • Lead white paper and proposal efforts with winning strategy and novel approaches

Requirements:

• 15+ years of Controllable Solid Propulsion industry experience
• 10+ years of experience as Controllable Solid Propulsion Chief Engineer and/or Lead System Engineer
• 10+ years lead development engineering of advanced solid propulsion technology
• 10+ years of DOD missile/propulsion industry Business Development experience
• Excellent technical presentation and verbal presentation skills
• Excellent technical writing skills and ability to articulate complex system capabilities to new customers
• Experience in meeting and interacting with prime missile customers
• Experienced in leading technical team on fast paced development programs
• Proven ability to successfully operate in a highly collaborative team environment
• Possess excellent communication skills and the ability to make and develop new customer relationships
• Ability to recognize workloads of self and others and delegate tasks to junior staff and peers as needed
• Manage and mentor junior staff and report their program status to program office

Preferences:

• Recognized as solid rocket propulsion expert by Prime missile integrators
• Advanced degree (PhD or Master’s) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or other relevant engineering discipline from an accredited college/university. May consider equivalent experience in lieu of degree

Other:

• Ability to travel approximately 25% of the time.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship). 

Salary Range: $159,300.00 To $212,400.00 Annually

Application Deadline: June 30, 2025

Please click “Apply” to submit your application.

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.