Talent.com
IC 2026 Flight Dynamics Engineer

IC 2026 Flight Dynamics Engineer

The Aerospace CorporationChantilly, VA, United States
1 day ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Job Description

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

As a core component of EED, the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics (EMFD) Department provides flight mechanics expertise for the cislunar domain, multi-objective "traveling salesman" trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans-atmospheric flight design for missiles, hyperglide vehicles, and reentry vehicles. Relevant skills include orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, trajectory design and optimization, and atmospheric flight modeling and simulation. The selected candidate will provide expertise for a wide range of customer flight mechanics needs, supporting analysis, research, and development requests. The work will require candidates to provide deep technical solutions while also collaborating with engineering partners to facilitate integrated solutions for our customers' hardest problems. Customers will include defense, intelligence, and civil and commercial organizations.

Work Model

  • The selected candidate will be required to work full time, on-site in El Segundo, CA, Chantilly, VA, or Albuquerque, NM

What You'll be Doing :

Primary Support

  • Cislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics analysis and trajectory optimization
  • Hypersonics, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicle trajectory design and optimization
  • Time-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems and Facility Location Problem analysis
  • Astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis including orbit propagation and maneuver design and optimization for orbit transfer, station keeping, graveyard, disposal, and reentry events
  • Analysis of vehicles with chemical and / or electric propulsion
  • Evaluating contested missions applications for space systems to understand threat performance, assess vulnerabilities, and improve system resiliency
  • Developing Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), exploring Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporating operational constraints into the design and maturation of space and near-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
  • Additional inter-department partnership collaborations opportunities :

  • Maneuver and orbit design, selection, and optimization for missions that support Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) objectives with complex operational constraints
  • Trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft for missions operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth-centric regimes
  • What You Need to be Successful

    Minimum Requirements for Member of Technical Staff - Flight Mechanics :

  • PhD degree degreefrom an accredited college / university programin Aerospace engineering.
  • Prior internship with The Aerospace Corporation
  • 0-1 year of industry / work experience
  • Experience in one or more of the following subjects : space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, algorithm design, software development, or mathematical modeling, multi-objective optimization, trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehicles
  • Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages / tools : C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (approx. 10%)
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
  • Transcripts required
  • How You Can Stand Out

    It would be impressive if you have one or more of these :

  • Experience using or building analysis software to combine numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches for launch vehicles, missiles, interceptors, spacecraft, or reentry vehicles (hypersonics)
  • Experience with nonlinear programming (non-linear 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 to include parallel processing and scripting experience
  • Experience with contested space trajectory applications, military exercises, and wargaming events
  • Ability to build and foster effective working relationships with customers, contractors, Federally Funded Research & Development Center (FFRDC) and other personnel.
  • Experience directly interfacing with senior government customers.
  • Experience in spacecraft or launch operations.
  • Current SSBI with an active TS / SCI clearance.
  • Current SAP access.
  • We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

    (Min - Max)

    $100,000 - $120,000

    Pay Basis : Annual

    Leadership Competencies

    Our leadership philosophy is simple : every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who :

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results
  • Ways We Reward Our Employees

    During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

    Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include :

    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

    We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

    Equal Opportunity Commitment

    The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights : Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .

    Create a job alert for this search

    Flight Engineer • Chantilly, VA, United States

    Related jobs
    • Promoted
    2026 Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Graduate Intern

    2026 Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Graduate Intern

    The Aerospace CorporationChantilly, VA, United States
    Full-time
    The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded resea...Show moreLast updated: 1 day ago
    • Promoted
    Staff Engineer (Flightdeck and Avionics)

    Staff Engineer (Flightdeck and Avionics)

    Air Line Pilots AssociationMcLean, VA, US
    Full-time
    Staff Engineer (Flightdeck and Avionics).Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA).Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced. Tysons (McLean), Virginia office.The Staff Engineer provides proje...Show moreLast updated: 29 days ago
    • Promoted
    Circuit Design Engineer

    Circuit Design Engineer

    VirtualVocationsAlexandria, Virginia, United States
    Full-time
    A company is looking for a Circuit Design Engineer - New College Grad 2025.Key Responsibilities Participate in cutting-edge processor design using deep submicron technologies Collaborate with a ...Show moreLast updated: 2 days ago
    • Promoted
    Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer

    Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer

    DCS CorporationReston, VA, United States
    Full-time
    Senior AFSIM Modeling and Simulation Specialist.The DCS Air & Space Technology (AST) Sector is seeking a Lead Modeling and Simulation Engineer to support extensive high visibility Modeling, Simulat...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    2026 Flight Dynamics Engineer

    2026 Flight Dynamics Engineer

    The Aerospace CorporationChantilly, VA, United States
    Full-time
    The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded resea...Show moreLast updated: 1 day ago
    • Promoted
    A&P Licensed Flight Readiness Technician

    A&P Licensed Flight Readiness Technician

    VirtualVocationsAlexandria, Virginia, United States
    Full-time
    A company is looking for a Flight Readiness Technician.Key Responsibilities Perform flight test installations and aircraft functional testing Assist in troubleshooting pneumatic, hydraulic, elec...Show moreLast updated: 3 days ago
    • Promoted
    SIEM Engineer

    SIEM Engineer

    VirtualVocationsAlexandria, Virginia, United States
    Full-time
    A company is looking for a SIEM Engineer to join a cutting-edge cybersecurity team supporting Cortex XSIAM deployments in a fully remote capacity. Key Responsibilities of the SIEM Engineer Collabo...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Modeling and Simulation Engineer

    Modeling and Simulation Engineer

    DCS CorporationReston, VA, United States
    Full-time
    Senior AFSIM Modeling and Simulation Specialist.The DCS Air & Space Technology (AST) Sector is seeking a Modeling and Simulation Engineer to support extensive high visibility Modeling, Simulation, ...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Senior Modeling and Simulation Engineer

    Senior Modeling and Simulation Engineer

    DCS CorporationReston, VA, United States
    Full-time
    Senior AFSIM Modeling and Simulation Specialist.The DCS Air & Space Technology (AST) Sector is seeking a Senior Modeling and Simulation Engineer to support extensive high visibility Modeling, Simul...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Summer 2026 Mechanical Engineering Intern

    Summer 2026 Mechanical Engineering Intern

    Leonardo DRSFrederick, MD, United States
    Full-time
    The Leonardo DRS Airborne and Intelligence Systems business is a global leader and strategic partner committed to delivering world-class, full life-cycle defense and intelligence products that prot...Show moreLast updated: 1 day ago
    • Promoted
    Regional Engineer

    Regional Engineer

    Lane Enterprises IncBealeton, VA, US
    Full-time
    We are excited to welcome a Regional Engineer to our team! From.Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flexible Spending, Company paid Lif...Show moreLast updated: 17 days ago
    • Promoted
    Licensed Transmission Engineer

    Licensed Transmission Engineer

    VirtualVocationsRockville, Maryland, United States
    Full-time
    A company is looking for a Sr Transmission Engineer to contribute to the engineering, design, and analysis of high-voltage transmission lines. Key Responsibilities Design and engineer high voltage...Show moreLast updated: 3 days ago
    • Promoted
    Service Readiness Engineer

    Service Readiness Engineer

    VirtualVocationsAlexandria, Virginia, United States
    Full-time
    A company is looking for a Service Readiness Engineer.Key Responsibilities Main point of contact for assigned projects, including new services and customers Develop test and certification plans ...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Transportation Engineer

    Transportation Engineer

    JobotWoodstock, MD, US
    Full-time
    Brand New Transportation Engineer Opening With Leader In Roadway Design, Land Development, Utilities and Drainage Design!. This Jobot Job is hosted by : Brian Perkins.Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by...Show moreLast updated: 28 days ago
    • Promoted
    Colorado Licensed Transmission Engineer

    Colorado Licensed Transmission Engineer

    VirtualVocationsFairfax, Virginia, United States
    Full-time
    A company is looking for a Principal Transmission Planning Engineer.Key Responsibilities Collaborate to create analysis tools and models for renewable energy and transmission projects Perform po...Show moreLast updated: 1 day ago
    • Promoted
    Senior Forward Deployed Engineer

    Senior Forward Deployed Engineer

    VirtualVocationsAlexandria, Virginia, United States
    Full-time
    A company is looking for a Senior Forward Deployed Engineer, Investigator.Key Responsibilities Lead the deployment and configuration of the Open NDR SaaS platform, including sensor setup and inte...Show moreLast updated: 30+ days ago
    • Promoted
    Device Integration Engineer

    Device Integration Engineer

    VirtualVocationsAlexandria, Virginia, United States
    Full-time
    A company is looking for a Device Integration Engineer to design and deliver an executable for secure, policy-driven printing. Key Responsibilities Design and implement an executable that replaces...Show moreLast updated: 2 days ago
    • Promoted
    Planning Engineer

    Planning Engineer

    VirtualVocationsWashington, District of Columbia, United States
    Full-time
    A company is looking for a Planning Engineer to support voice platform technologies and assist in engineering design and implementation. Key Responsibilities Guide Engineering and Operations with ...Show moreLast updated: 1 day ago