Flight Dynamicist

Leidos

. Develop and analyze 3DOF and 6DOF flight dynamics models to evaluate vehicle performance, stability, controllability, and mission effectiveness across the full flight envelope .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeUnited StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $87,100 - $157,450 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Expertise in developing and analyzing 3DOF and 6DOF flight dynamics models, trajectory optimization, and guidance and control algorithms. Proficient in aerospace modeling and simulation tools, with a strong understanding of flight mechanics and vehicle performance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

3DOF And 6DOF Flight Dynamics ModelingTrajectory Analysis And OptimizationGuidance And Control AlgorithmsMATLAB/SimulinkActive Secret Security Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Flight Mechanics AnalysisOrbital MechanicsVehicle Stability And ControlMass Properties AnalysisAerospace Vehicle Performance

Soft Skills

CollaborationEffective CommunicationCustomer Engagement

Tools & Technologies

PythonSTKGMATFORTRANC/C++

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree In Aerospace EngineeringMaster's Degree In Related Engineering Discipline

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringModeling And SimulationFlight Test PlanningData AnalysisTechnical Proposals

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonTypeScriptC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and analyze 3DOF and 6DOF flight dynamics models to evaluate vehicle performance, stability, controllability, and mission effectiveness across the full flight envelope
Perform trajectory design, optimization, and trade studies for hypersonic, missile, launch vehicle, and space systems
Design, implement, and validate guidance, navigation, and control algorithms
Develop high-fidelity simulations and digital engineering models for concept development, requirements analysis, mission planning, system design, verification, and testing
Conduct aerodynamic, propulsion, mass properties, and environmental sensitivity analyses
Perform flight mechanics analyses including stability and control, separation dynamics, staging, atmospheric flight, reentry, and orbital operations
Develop and integrate mission-level models within modeling and simulation frameworks and hardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop architectures
Support flight test planning, pre-flight predictions, post-flight reconstruction, and data analysis
Collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, thermal, systems engineering, software, and mission analysis teams
Support technical proposals, customer engagements, concept studies, and strategic growth initiatives
Present technical results, trade studies, and recommendations to leadership, customers, and stakeholders

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution and 4 years of experience
Minimum Masters and 2-4 years of experience in flight dynamics, trajectory analysis, mission design, guidance and control, modeling and simulation, or related aerospace engineering disciplines
Demonstrated experience developing and analyzing 3DOF and/or 6DOF vehicle simulations
Strong understanding of flight mechanics, orbital mechanics, trajectory optimization, vehicle stability and control, mass properties, and aerospace vehicle performance
Experience with aerospace modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, STK, GMAT, FORTRAN, C/C++, or similar engineering software environments
Demonstrated capability establishing data pipeline transformations, executing batch simulation runs, or debugging continuous integration test sequences
Ability to work effectively within cross-functional engineering teams in a fast-paced development environment
Experience supporting technical proposals, customer interactions, and engineering reviews
Active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain TS, as required