Director – Earth-Orbit Flight Dynamics

The Aerospace Corporation

Director of Earth-Orbit Flight Dynamics at Aerospace Corporation leading technical solutions for critical space missions. Overseeing a team and partnering with government and commercial organizations in launch and orbital mechanics.

Posted 6/24/2026full-timeChantilly • California, Colorado, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $185,100 - $277,600 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

TypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and execute a strategic vision for a multi-location department, managing 25+ technical staff and managers
Partner with customers to develop innovative flight dynamics solutions and position EOFD as the technical authority in Earth-orbit flight dynamics and trajectory optimization
Formulate business strategies alongside Engineering and Technology Group partners in critical flight mechanics domains, such as tactics development, spacecraft maneuver design, or rendezvous and proximity operations
Advise Aerospace leadership on technical investments and organizational strategies
Drive flight dynamics excellence across launch vehicle trajectory design, multi-burn orbit transfers, and electric/hybrid propulsion optimization
Infuse AI/ML into optimization techniques to transform trajectory design for launch and Earth-orbiting flight regimes
Collaborate across divisions to integrate flight dynamics with space domain awareness and multi-disciplinary mission analysis
Cultivate relationships across defense agencies, intelligence organizations, NASA, and commercial space operators
Drive business development and capture planning for organizational growth in advanced mission operations and responsive space capabilities
Represent the department at customer engagements, corporate forums, and technical conferences
Lead workforce development initiatives including recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and retention strategies
Manage department resources including staffing, facilities, and classified IT infrastructure
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related STEM field
10+ years of progressively responsible technical experiences in flight dynamics, astrodynamics, or trajectory design
Proven leadership experience managing technical organizations, including staff development, performance evaluation, strategic planning, and R&D portfolio development
Executive-level customer relationships with demonstrated success building partnerships across organizations
Business development acumen with proven track record of expanding customer relationships
Exceptional communication skills to influence senior government officials, industry partners, and internal stakeholders
Experience managing distributed teams across multiple geographic locations
Strategic thinking to synthesize complex technical, programmatic, and customer needs into actionable vision
Collaborative leadership fostering excellence across organizational boundaries
Willingness to travel domestically based on organizational and customer needs
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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

flight dynamicstrajectory optimizationspacecraft maneuver designmulti-burn orbit transferselectric propulsion optimizationAI/ML optimization techniquesastrodynamicsR&D portfolio developmentstrategic planningcustomer engagement

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationstrategic thinkingcollaborative leadershiprelationship buildingstaff developmentperformance evaluationbusiness developmentmentoringinnovation

Certifications

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineeringBachelor's degree in physicsBachelor's degree in mathematicsTS/SCI accessTS/SAP access