Flight Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

. Provide trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth-centric regimes .

Posted 10/26/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $129,000 - $249,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates expertise in trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft, with a strong foundation in astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and advanced algorithm development. Proficient in utilizing programming languages and tools for flight mechanics modeling and optimization in complex mission scenarios.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Trajectory Design and OptimizationAstrodynamics and Orbital Mechanics AnalysisC, C++, Fortran, Python, Linux, MATLAB ProficiencyAdvanced Algorithm DevelopmentExperience with Contested Space Trajectory Applications

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Trajectory DesignAstrodynamicsManeuver OptimizationFlight MechanicsOptimal ControlNumerical MethodsNonlinear ProgrammingGenetic AlgorithmsProximity OperationsCislunar Trajectory Design

Soft Skills

Independent OperationInnovative Problem SolvingCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

ASSETGPOPS-IISNOPTPOSTOTISCopernicusGMATEMTG

Certifications & Qualifications

US Security Clearance (TS Clearance with SCI Access)U.S. Citizenship

Industry Keywords

Launch VehiclesSpacecraftHypersonicsMilitary ExercisesWargaming Events

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxPythonTypeScriptC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth-centric regimes
Perform astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis, including orbit propagation and maneuver design and optimization
Analyze vehicles with chemical and/or electric propulsion
Evaluate contested mission applications for space systems, threat performance, vulnerabilities, and system resiliency
Explore and define the Dynamic Space Operations mission area
Design, select, and optimize maneuvers and orbits for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations objectives
Develop onboard sensor and state estimation algorithms for proximity guidance and navigation
Develop CONOPS and TTPs and incorporate operational constraints into space system design
Provide operational support for launch and spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call emerging events
Use optimal control, flight mechanics, and computer science/algorithm development to create customer capabilities and integrable submodules
Combine AI/ML/RL and metaheuristic techniques with flight mechanics modeling for multi-objective analysis and decision-making
Perform research and development and build flight dynamics tools
Use external tools including ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, and EMTG
Conduct cislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics analysis and trajectory optimization
Design and optimize trajectories for hypersonics, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicles
Perform time-dependent Traveling Salesman and Facility Location Problem analysis
Conduct integrated, multidisciplinary RPO system simulations
Collaborate with engineering partners to deliver integrated solutions for defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial customers

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines
Engineering Specialist: 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 Engineering Specialist: 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)
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Senior Engineering Specialist: 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, proximity operations, cislunar trajectory design, tree search algorithms, 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
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