Flight Dynamicist

Leidos

Flight Dynamicist developing aerospace modeling and simulation tools for Leidos' Defense Systems Sector. Supporting complex vehicle development and analysis across various disciplines in the aerospace domains.

Posted 7/22/2026full-timeSan Diego • Alabama, California, Florida, Ohio • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $69,550 - $125,725 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in aerospace modeling and simulation, particularly in developing and analyzing flight dynamics models and trajectory optimization. Proficient in collaborating across engineering disciplines to support mission design and performance evaluation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

MATLAB/Simulink DevelopmentFlight Dynamics AnalysisTrajectory OptimizationModeling And SimulationAerospace Engineering Degree

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C++ ProgrammingPython Programming3DOF Vehicle Simulations6DOF Vehicle SimulationsFlight MechanicsOrbital MechanicsData Pipeline TransformationsBatch Simulation RunsDebugging Continuous IntegrationAerodynamic Analysis

Soft Skills

Cross-Functional CollaborationEffective CommunicationCustomer Engagement

Tools & Technologies

Digital Engineering ModelsHardware-In-The-Loop TestingSoftware-In-The-Loop Testing

Certifications & Qualifications

Active Secret Security ClearanceAbility To Obtain TS Clearance

Industry Keywords

Aerospace SystemsMissile DefenseHypersonic SystemsSpace SystemsMission Planning

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Update current and create new aerospace modeling and simulation tools in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C++.
Develop and analyze 3DOF and 6DOF flight dynamics models to evaluate vehicle performance, stability, controllability, and mission effectiveness across the full flight envelope.
Perform trajectory design, optimization, and trade studies for hypersonic, missile, launch vehicle, and space systems, balancing performance, range, payload, thermal, and operational constraints.
Develop low/med-fidelity simulations and digital engineering models to support concept development, requirements analysis, mission planning, system design, verification, and test activities.
Conduct preliminary aerodynamic, propulsion, mass properties, and environmental sensitivity analyses to assess vehicle performance and identify key design drivers and technical risks.
Perform flight mechanics analyses including stability and control assessments, separation dynamics, staging events, atmospheric flight, reentry, and orbital mission operations as applicable.
Develop and integrate mission-level models within modeling and simulation frameworks, digital engineering environments, and hardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop test architectures.
Support flight test planning, pre-flight predictions, post-flight reconstruction, and data analysis activities to validate models and improve system performance.
Collaborate across disciplines including aerodynamics, propulsion, thermal, systems engineering, software, and mission analysis teams to translate requirements into executable vehicle designs.
Support technical proposals, customer engagements, concept studies, and strategic growth initiatives related to advanced aerospace, missile defense, hypersonic, and space systems.
Present technical results, trade studies, and recommendations to internal leadership, customers, and stakeholders through briefings, reports, and design reviews.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution.
Minimum 2-4 years of experience in flight dynamics, trajectory analysis, mission design, guidance and control, modeling and simulation, or related aerospace engineering disciplines.
Demonstrated experience developing and analyzing tools in support of 3DOF and/or 6DOF vehicle simulations.
Basic understanding of flight mechanics, orbital mechanics, trajectory optimization, vehicle stability and control, mass properties, and aerospace vehicle performance.
Demonstrated capability establishing data pipeline transformations, executing batch simulation runs, or debugging continuous integration test sequences.
Ability to work effectively within cross-functional engineering teams in a fast-paced development environment.
Experience supporting technical proposals, customer interactions, and engineering reviews.
Active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain TS, as required.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health and Wellness programs
Income Protection
Paid Leave
Retirement