Flight Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Senior Member of the Technical Staff joining the Earth Orbit Flight Dynamics team. Providing flight mechanics expertise and innovative solutions for space missions.

Posted 5/19/2026full-timeColorado Springs • Colorado, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $110,400 - $193,500 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

JavaLinuxPythonTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft for missions operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth-centric regimes
Astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis including orbit propagation and maneuver design and optimization for orbit transfer, stationkeeping, graveyard, disposal, and reentry events
Evaluating contested missions applications for space systems to understand threat performance, assess vulnerabilities, and improve system resiliency
Develop space warfighting tactics aligned to the Chief of Space Operations (CSO) priorities by providing technical, operational, and risk assessments
Understand customer requirements, models, and algorithms to develop integrated architectures and recommend technical and operational needs for Ops Centers’ processes
Exploring and defining the evolving Dynamic Space Operations (DSO) mission area
Maneuver and orbit design, selection, and optimization for missions that support Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) objectives with complex operational constraints
Developing Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), exploring Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporating operational constraints into the design and maturation of space systems
Providing operational support for nominal launch and spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call emerging events
Utilizing optimal control, flight mechanics, and computer science/algorithm development skills to create new capabilities to service customer requests as stand-alone services and/or ready-to-integrate submodules
Performing research and development and building new flight dynamics tools to cultivate and maintain a healthy and modern internal tool base
Leveraging external tools like ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG, etc. where appropriate to augment internally developed capabilities
Communicating effectively with customers and management through timely reporting of technical issues, analysis reports, and recommendations

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines
Five 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
Experience in space-relevant TTPs development, operational planning, or battle management
Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages and environments: C, C++, Fortran, Python, Linux, Java, and/or MATLAB
The ability to operate independently, often in the presence of ambiguity, and still deliver high-quality, innovative, and specialized end products to a range of customers
Willing to travel domestically approx. 10%
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 (applicant will be submitted for this clearance upon hiring if they do not currently possess it)
Eight or more years of experience of relevant technical work or PhD
Demonstrated technical excellence in the relevant job capabilities and functions

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

trajectory designoptimizationastrodynamicsorbital mechanicsmaneuver designflight mechanicsprogramming in Cprogramming in C++programming in Pythonprogramming in MATLAB

Soft Skills

independent operationproblem-solvingcommunicationcustomer engagementanalytical thinkinginnovationadaptabilitytechnical reportingrisk assessmentoperational planning

Certifications

Bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineeringBachelor's degree in astronautical engineeringBachelor's degree in physicsBachelor's degree in applied mathematicsUS security clearanceTS clearance (SSBI) with SCI access