Flight Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Flight dynamics engineer designing spacecraft and launch vehicle trajectories for Aerospace Corporation’s national space programs. Developing astrodynamics tools, mission analyses, and optimization capabilities.

Posted 9/2/2026full-timeEl Segundo • Alabama, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United 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 a strong foundation in algorithm development and numerical methods. Capable of providing operational support and developing innovative solutions for complex aerospace challenges.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Flight Mechanics ExpertiseAstrodynamics AnalysisTrajectory OptimizationC/C++/Python ProficiencyAdvanced Algorithm Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

AstrodynamicsTrajectory OptimizationManeuver DesignOptimal ControlFlight MechanicsNumerical MethodsNonlinear ProgrammingGenetic AlgorithmsHeuristic OptimizationCalculus of Variations

Soft Skills

Independent OperationProblem-SolvingCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

ASSETGPOPS-IISNOPTPOSTOTISCopernicusGMATEMTG

Certifications & Qualifications

US Security ClearanceTS/SCI AccessTS/SAP Access

Industry Keywords

Launch Vehicle DesignHypersonic Flight SimulationContested Space TrajectoryRendezvous and Proximity OperationsCislunar Exploration

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

C++LinuxPythonTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide flight mechanics expertise for a wide range of customer needs across defense, intelligence, and civil and commercial organizations
Design and optimize trajectories for launch vehicles and spacecraft across LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other Earth-centric regimes
Perform astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis, including orbit propagation and maneuver design and optimization
Analyze chemical and/or electric propulsion vehicles
Evaluate contested mission applications, threat performance, vulnerabilities, and system resiliency
Explore and define the Dynamic Space Operations mission area
Design, select, and optimize maneuvers and orbits for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations objectives
Develop CONOPS and TTPs and incorporate operational constraints into space system design and maturation
Provide operational support for launches, spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call emerging events
Develop optimal control, flight mechanics, computer science, and algorithm-based capabilities and 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 to deliver integrated solutions for challenging customer problems
Support potential collaborations in cislunar exploration, hypersonics, missiles, interceptors, reentry vehicles, traveling salesman problems, facility location, and integrated RPO simulations

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
For Senior Member: five or more years of relevant technical work or PhD
Proficiency in one or more of C, C++, Fortran, Python, Linux, and/or MATLAB
Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10%
Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Demonstrated technical excellence in relevant job capabilities and functions
Ability to operate independently in ambiguous situations and deliver high-quality end products
Advanced degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is strongly desired
Experience or graduate-level coursework/research 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 with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events
Current TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP Access is impressive/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