Flight Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

. Develop, scope, and lead projects for launch vehicles and spacecraft operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other Earth-centric regimes .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $132,900 - $249,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, and trajectory optimization, with a strong ability to lead complex projects and mentor technical staff. Proficient in advanced algorithm development and analysis software, with a focus on enhancing system resiliency and operational capabilities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Flight MechanicsAstrodynamicsTrajectory OptimizationC, C++, Fortran, Python, Linux, MATLABTS/SCI Security Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Astrodynamics AnalysisManeuver DesignOptimal ControlNumerical MethodsNonlinear ProgrammingGenetic AlgorithmsHeuristic OptimizationTrajectory ModelingFlight Dynamics ToolsComputer Science/Algorithm Development

Soft Skills

MentoringIndependent Problem SolvingStakeholder CollaborationResource ManagementCommunication

Tools & Technologies

ASSETGPOPS-IISNOPTPOSTOTISCopernicusGMATEMTG

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. CitizenshipTS (SSBI) Security ClearanceTS/SCI Access

Industry Keywords

Launch VehiclesSpacecraftLEOMEOHEOGEOHypersonicsMilitary ExercisesWargaming EventsMultidisciplinary Teams

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxPythonTypeScriptC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop, scope, and lead projects for launch vehicles and spacecraft operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other Earth-centric regimes
Mentor department staff in technical execution and professional career development
Support business development efforts to grow customer relationships and establish new projects
Anticipate strategic priorities and build stakeholder teams to address them
Perform astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis, including orbit propagation and maneuver design and optimization
Evaluate contested mission applications to understand threat performance, assess vulnerabilities, and improve system resiliency
Develop CONOPS and explore TTPs while incorporating operational constraints into space-system design
Use optimal control, flight mechanics, and computer science/algorithm development to create new capabilities and integrable submodules
Combine AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling to assess complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces
Perform research and development and build flight dynamics tools
Leverage external tools including ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, and EMTG
Collaborate on cislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics and trajectory optimization
Support hypersonics, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicle trajectory design and optimization
Analyze time-dependent Traveling Salesman and Facility Location Problems
Conduct integrated multidisciplinary RPO system simulations

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines
Project Leader: Eight or more years of experience in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, maneuver optimization, trajectory optimization, launch vehicle trajectory design, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or general trajectory modeling and simulation
Senior Project Engineer: Twelve or more years of experience of relevant technical work
Proficiency in one or more of: C, C++, Fortran, Python, Linux, and/or MATLAB
Ability to operate independently in ambiguous situations and deliver high-quality, innovative, specialized end products
Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10%
Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance (TS clearance (SSBI) with SCI access) is required
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Senior Project Engineer: ability to lead and execute large and sustained technical efforts across organizational boundaries
Advanced degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is strongly desired
Graduate-level coursework, research and/or experience in orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, ascent trajectory modeling, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, and/or trajectory modeling and simulation
Experience using or building analysis software combining numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches
Experience with nonlinear programming, direct methods, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary algorithms, heuristic optimization methods, indirect methods, and/or calculus of variations
Advanced algorithm development skills including parallel processing and scripting
Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events
Experience building multidisciplinary teams and/or leading multistep projects, anticipating issues, and managing resources
Experience briefing Aerospace and government program office leadership and providing recommendations
Current TS (SSBI), TS/SCI, and/or TS/SAP Access

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