Flight Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

. Provide flight-mechanics expertise for cislunar missions, multi-objective traveling-salesman trajectory sequence generation, facility-location optimization, and trans-atmospheric flight design .

Posted 10/5/2026full-timeUnited StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $95,200 - $165,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in flight mechanics, trajectory optimization, and astrodynamics for cislunar and space missions, with proficiency in programming languages and advanced algorithm development. Capable of conducting complex analyses and providing operational support for spacecraft and launch operations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Flight Mechanics ExpertiseTrajectory OptimizationC, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB ProficiencyAdvanced Algorithm DevelopmentSpace Mission Analysis and Design

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Trajectory SimulationMathematical ModelingMulti-Objective OptimizationOrbit PropagationManeuver DesignNumerical MethodsOptimization ApproachesFlight-Dynamics AnalysisContested Space Trajectory ApplicationsSpacecraft Operations

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

ASSETGPOPS-IISNOPTPOSTOTISCopernicusGMATEMTG

Certifications & Qualifications

Security ClearanceTS/SCI ClearanceSAP Access

Industry Keywords

Cislunar MissionsHypersonicsReentry VehiclesRendezvous and Proximity OperationsMilitary ExercisesWargaming Events

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonTypeScriptC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide flight-mechanics expertise for cislunar missions, multi-objective traveling-salesman trajectory sequence generation, facility-location optimization, and trans-atmospheric flight design
Support hypersonics, missiles, interceptors, and reentry-vehicle trajectory design and optimization
Perform cislunar and exploration-class orbital-mechanics analysis and trajectory optimization
Analyze time-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems and Facility Location Problems
Perform orbit propagation and maneuver design and optimization for orbit transfer, station keeping, graveyard, disposal, and reentry events
Analyze vehicles using chemical and/or electric propulsion
Evaluate contested-mission applications to understand threat performance, assess vulnerabilities, and improve system resiliency
Develop CONOPS and TTPs while incorporating operational constraints into space and near-space systems
Provide operational support for launch, spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call emerging events
Use optimal control, flight mechanics, and computer-science/algorithm-development skills to create customer capabilities and integrated submodules
Conduct research and development and build new flight-dynamics tools
Use external tools such as ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, and EMTG
Collaborate on maneuver and orbit design for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations objectives
Design and optimize trajectories for launch vehicles and spacecraft in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other Earth-centric regimes

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or related technical discipline
At least two years of relevant professional, technical work experience
Experience in one or more of: space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, mathematical modeling, multi-objective optimization, or trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehicles
Proficiency with one or more of: C, C++, Python, Fortran, or MATLAB
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Willingness to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (approximately 10%)
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Senior Member level additionally requires five or more years of relevant technical work experience, demonstrated technical excellence, and ability to operate independently in ambiguous situations
Graduate degree and/or research or professional experience in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field (preferred)
Experience with flight-dynamics analysis software, numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches
Experience with optimization methods including nonlinear programming, direct methods, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary algorithms, heuristic optimization, indirect methods, and/or calculus of variations
Advanced algorithm development skills including parallel processing and scripting
Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, or wargaming events
Experience interfacing with senior government customers
Experience in spacecraft or launch operations
Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI clearance (preferred)
Current SAP access (preferred)

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
Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect