Director – Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics

The Aerospace Corporation

. Lead the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Department across cislunar, near-space, atmospheric, and hypersonic mission domains .

Posted 11/10/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $196,200 - $294,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in flight dynamics, trajectory design, and strategic leadership within aerospace and defense sectors. Proven ability to cultivate customer relationships and drive innovative solutions in complex technical environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Flight Dynamics ExpertiseLeadership ExperienceBusiness Development AcumenStrategic ThinkingTechnical Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Trajectory DesignAstrodynamicsCislunar DynamicsTrajectory OptimizationOptimal ControlReentry Vehicle DynamicsMissile Defense SystemsMulti-Fidelity Trade Space ExplorationReachability AnalysisTechnical Problem Solving

Soft Skills

Collaborative LeadershipExceptional CommunicationStrategic PlanningStaff DevelopmentPerformance Evaluation

Certifications & Qualifications

Current TS/SCI AccessCurrent TS/SAP Access

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringDefenseNational SecurityCommercial SpaceIntelligence CommunityRapid-Response AnalysisDistributed TeamsTechnical AuthorityOrganizational StrategyCustomer Partnerships

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

TypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Department across cislunar, near-space, atmospheric, and hypersonic mission domains
Set and execute the strategic vision for a multi-site department managing 35+ technical staff and managers
Partner with customers to develop innovative flight dynamics solutions and position EMFDD as the technical authority in emerging flight regimes
Advise Aerospace leadership on technical investments and organizational strategies
Champion breakthrough approaches to challenging flight dynamics problems
Guide trajectory design innovation for sub-, super-, and hypersonic flight regimes, including ballistic/maneuverable missile systems and reentry vehicles
Build and expand relationships with defense agencies, the Intelligence Community, NASA, and commercial space operators
Lead capture and business development for emerging national-priority areas
Represent the department at customer forums, technical conferences, and organizational strategy sessions
Recruit, hire, and retain specialized technical talent
Ensure the technical bench meets surging customer demand
Cultivate a culture of bold technical ideas and rapid-response problem solving

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related STEM field
10+ years of progressively responsible technical experiences in flight dynamics, astrodynamics, or trajectory design
Proven leadership experience managing technical organizations, including staff development, performance evaluation, strategic planning, and R&D portfolio development
Executive-level customer relationships with demonstrated success building partnerships across organizations
Business development acumen with proven track record of expanding customer relationships
Exceptional communication skills to influence senior government officials, industry partners, and internal stakeholders
Experience managing distributed teams across multiple geographic locations
Strategic thinking to synthesize complex technical, programmatic, and customer needs into actionable vision
Collaborative leadership fostering excellence across organizational boundaries
Willingness to travel domestically based on organizational and customer needs
Current TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP access
Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in aerospace engineering, astronautics, applied mathematics, or related field
Expertise in cislunar/multi-body dynamics (CRTBP), trajectory optimization and optimal control, or atmospheric/hypersonic trajectory design
Experience with reachability analysis or multi-fidelity trade space exploration
Familiarity with reentry vehicle dynamics, missile defense systems, or near-space warfighting concepts
Track record standing up or scaling technical capabilities from concept to operational relevance
Experience supporting rapid-response technical analysis for urgent national priorities
Demonstrated supervisory experience in aerospace, defense, or national security organizations
Experience bridging commercial, defense, and civil space sectors with multi-disciplinary systems engineering background
FFRDC experience or similar advisory roles supporting government decision-making

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect