Inert Tool Engineer (Level V)

Employer 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. 

Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies 

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 Tool Engineer (Level V) for solid rocket motor (SRM) and aerospace propulsion programs is responsible for the concept, design, engineering, fabrication drawings, inspection requirements, procurement requirements, verification requirements, and fabrication support for tooling and equipment used in the manufacturing of solid rocket motors specifically energetic operations.

The position reports to the Special Tooling Group Manager and is part of Strategic Systems Operations based in Folsom, CA. This role is remote based in Folsom, CA. 

In this role, the essential functions are:

• Manage assigned tooling projects by coordinating all design and fabrication activities to meet the program cost and schedule requirements. Travel to suppliers to support them as needed during fabrication and inspection.

• Work alongside the manufacturing team to ensure overall program quality, delivery, and cost objectives are achieved. Work with internal customers to define tooling and equipment needed for new and existing programs
• Develop tooling concepts, creating/reviewing and improving manufacturing processes to meet customer requirements while ensuring tool designs meet environmental, health and safety requirements, Apply DFM/DFA, GD&T, and Value Engineering principles to balance precision, ergonomics, manufacturability, durability, and cost in tooling design.
• Deliver and maintain detailed tooling design documentation, including CAD models, drawings, specifications, and work instructions to ensure consistent quality and repeatability in manufacturing processes. Inspect tool configuration for drawing compliance, including fit, form and function. Perform stress analysis to ensure that tools are mechanically sound and safe.
• Review engineering drawings and designs for manufacturability. Support operations and process engineering in the use of all tooling.
• Support continuous improvement activities. 
• Assist in developing a supplier base for outsourcing tool fabrication and oversee/monitoring  supplier quality and on-time delivery.
• Assist in implementation of an MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and/or CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) and/or EAM (Enterprise Asset Management).

• Assist in the development of standardized tooling documentation, specifications, and engineering best practices across the organization. Mentor junior designers and peers in their design efforts.

If your experience aligns with our basic qualifications and you are inspired by our mission, we’d like to connect. If you don’t see the right role right now, Join Our Talent Community and stay connected as we continue to build what’s next. 

• Bachelor of Science required in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other relevant engineering disciplines from an accredited university. May consider equivalent experience in lieu of degree.
• Ten (10) to fifteen (15) years of tool design/engineering experience with emphasis in solid rocket motor case, nozzle and thruster production.
• Must have working knowledge of composite case winding, compression molding, machining and bonding operations both tooling and equipment.
• Must have experience in the tool design of wind mandrels and associated tooling; compression molds; machining fixtures; bonding fixtures; assembly fixtures/stands; hand tools; leak check fixtures; lifting/handling fixtures used in inert motor case, nozzle and thruster production.
• Proficiency with CAD software for mechanical design (SolidWorks, NX, or similar)
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and metrology principles
• Experience with Finite Element analysis practices
• Demonstrated ability to design and validate fixtures, jigs, and gauges for precision assembly and inspection.
• Experience with tooling materials selection, machining processes, and tolerance analysis.
• Experience in tooling configuration management and change-control processes.
• Previous use of a MES or EAM/CMMS system to manage tool fabrication and maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience supporting Missile Defense Agency (MDA) programs.
• Experience in tool design for load motor production is desirable.
• Previous experience in designing tools for automation.

Travel, Physical and/or Government Mandated Requirements:

• Travel up to 15-20%, including the possibility of overnights within (the US) to support program needs and supplier visits.
• Ability to lift, move or carry items or equipment up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance (U.S. citizenship required); active Secret clearance preferred.

The good faith base salary range for this role is $157,000–$218,000 at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future.

Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.  

• Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness and more! No long term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll

• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of up to 4% to help you build long-term financial security

• Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being

• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission driven environment

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$157,000—$218,000 USDNevada pay range$157,000—$218,000 USD