Space Flight Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

. Provide flight mechanics expertise for customer needs across defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial organizations .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeUnited StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $95,200 - $165,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, and trajectory optimization, with proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, and Python. Capable of developing advanced algorithms and conducting complex analyses for space operations and vehicle performance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Flight Mechanics ExpertiseAstrodynamics AnalysisTrajectory OptimizationProgramming Proficiency in C/C++/PythonTS/SCI Security Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

AstrodynamicsTrajectory OptimizationManeuver DesignOptimal ControlFlight MechanicsNumerical MethodsNonlinear ProgrammingAlgorithm DevelopmentSimulation ModelingSpacecraft Deployment

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationIndependent OperationTechnical Excellence

Tools & Technologies

ASSETGPOPS-IISNOPTPOSTOTISCopernicusGMATEMTG

Certifications & Qualifications

US Security ClearanceTS/SCI Clearance

Industry Keywords

DefenseIntelligenceCivil Space OperationsCommercial SpaceHypersonicsRendezvous and Proximity OperationsCislunar OperationsExploration-Class Orbital Mechanics

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxPythonTypeScriptC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide flight mechanics expertise for customer needs across defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial organizations
Design and optimize trajectories for launch vehicles and spacecraft operating in Earth-centric regimes
Perform astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analyses, including orbit propagation, maneuver design, orbit transfer optimization, stationkeeping, 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
Explore and define the evolving Dynamic Space Operations mission area
Design maneuvers and orbits for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations objectives with complex operational constraints
Develop CONOPS, explore TTPs, and incorporate operational constraints into space-system design and maturation
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 to create customer-facing capabilities and integrable submodules
Combine AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling for complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces
Perform research and development and build new flight dynamics tools
Leverage external tools including ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, and EMTG
Collaborate with engineering partners on integrated solutions
Support additional work involving cislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics, hypersonics, missiles, interceptors, reentry vehicles, RPO simulations, and optimization problems

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines
Two years of experience in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, maneuver optimization, trajectory optimization, launch vehicle trajectory design, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or general trajectory modeling and simulation
Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages and environments: C, C++, Fortran, Python, Linux, and/or MATLAB
Willing to travel domestically approximately 10% of the time
The ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance is required
U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
The ability to obtain and maintain a TS clearance (SSBI) with SCI access is strongly preferred
For Senior Member: five or more years of experience of relevant technical work or PhD
For Senior Member: demonstrated technical excellence in relevant job capabilities and functions
For Senior Member: ability to operate independently and deliver high-quality end products
For Senior Member: clear communication and chartsmanship of highly technical content
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
Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events
Current 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