ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Aerospace Dynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lockheed Martin

GNC Engineer - Orlando, FL

Orlando, FL · On-site

The role bridges multidisciplinary domains, combining control theory, aerospace dynamics, hardware modeling, simulation, and system-level architecture. The GNC Engineer ensures that an air vehicle ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAerospace Dynamics Jobs

Aerospace Dynamics information

See salary details

$21.5K

$110.1K

$156K

How much do aerospace dynamics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace dynamics in the United States is $110,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $119,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who are the big 4 in aerospace?

The 'Big 4' in aerospace typically refers to Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, which are the largest and most influential companies in the industry. These companies develop commercial and military aircraft, satellites, and defense systems, often requiring aerospace engineers to have strong technical skills and certifications. Working in aerospace dynamics involves understanding aerodynamics, materials, and propulsion systems within these major organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Aerospace Dynamics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Aerospace Dynamics often encounter challenges such as managing complex simulations, adapting to rapidly evolving technology, and ensuring compliance with strict industry regulations. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—such as aerodynamics, structural engineering, and systems integration—is crucial for overcoming these hurdles. Staying updated through continuous learning, leveraging advanced simulation tools, and maintaining clear communication channels with team members can help address these challenges and lead to successful project outcomes.

What is dynamics in aerospace?

In aerospace, dynamics refers to the study of forces and motion affecting aircraft and spacecraft during flight. Aerospace dynamics involves analyzing how objects respond to aerodynamic forces, gravity, and propulsion, often using mathematical models and simulation tools. This knowledge is essential for designing stable, efficient vehicles and requires skills in physics, mathematics, and engineering analysis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Aerospace Dynamics, and why are they important?

To thrive in Aerospace Dynamics, a solid background in physics, advanced mathematics, and mechanical or aerospace engineering is essential, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software like MATLAB, ANSYS, or CFD tools, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork and communication skills help professionals excel in this field. These competencies ensure the ability to design, analyze, and optimize aerospace systems for safety, efficiency, and innovation.

What is the highest paying aerospace job?

The highest paying aerospace jobs are typically senior engineering roles such as Aerospace Engineering Managers or Chief Engineers, as well as specialized positions like Aerospace Program Directors or Systems Engineering Directors. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually in many cases.

What is the difference between Aerospace Dynamics vs Aerospace Engineering?

AspectAerospace DynamicsAerospace Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Aerospace DynamicsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, simulation centers, aerospace companiesDesign offices, manufacturing plants, research labs
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace research, flight simulation, and vehicle stabilityDesign, development, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft

While both roles involve aerospace concepts, Aerospace Dynamics focuses on the analysis of flight stability, control, and vehicle behavior, often using simulations. Aerospace Engineering encompasses a broader scope, including design, development, and manufacturing of aircraft and spacecraft. Understanding these distinctions helps professionals choose the right career path or specialization within the aerospace industry.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In aerospace dynamics, senior roles such as aerospace engineers, aerospace project managers, and defense contractors can reach or exceed $300,000 annually with experience, advanced skills, and often security clearances. High-level positions in research, development, or executive management within aerospace companies are also known to offer salaries in this range.

What is aerospace dynamics?

Aerospace dynamics is the study of the motion of air and other gases, and how these forces interact with aircraft and spacecraft. This field covers both aerodynamics, which focuses on the behavior of objects moving through Earth's atmosphere, and astronautics, which deals with motion in space. Professionals in aerospace dynamics analyze forces such as lift, drag, thrust, and stability to design safer and more efficient vehicles. Their work is critical for the development of airplanes, helicopters, rockets, and satellites.
More about Aerospace Dynamics jobs
What cities are hiring for Aerospace Dynamics jobs? Cities with the most Aerospace Dynamics job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Dynamics jobs? The most popular types of Aerospace Dynamics jobs are:
What states have the most Aerospace Dynamics jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerospace Dynamics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Dynamics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Dynamics jobs are:
Aerospace Dynamics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Dynamics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,056 per year, or $52.9 per hour.
Structural Dynamics Engineer II

Structural Dynamics Engineer II

Firefly Aerospace

Cedar Park, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted yesterday

Firefly Aerospace rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
SUMMARY
We are seeking a Structural Dynamics Engineer to serve as the domain expert in high-frequency dynamics for launch vehicles and spacecraft. This role focuses on the advanced analysis, modeling, derivation, and verification of complex dynamic environments-including random vibration, shock, acoustics and engine dynamics-through flight data processing, empirical and physics-based methods, and high-fidelity numerical simulation.
The engineer will act as a technical authority, providing leadership and guidance to design, propulsion, test, and structures teams to ensure structural integrity, mitigate dynamic risks, and enable mission success under the extreme conditions of launch and flight.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Dynamic Environment
  • random vibration
  • Derive levels using flight data as well as duration using SMC-S-016 method and damage based analysis
  • Derive lift off random vibration level using NASA-SP8072
  • Derive ascent random vibration level using barret method, spann method or other empirical method to support early design cycles
  • Applies advanced signal-processing techniques for root-cause analysis and anomaly resolution
  • shock
  • Derive levels using flight data
  • Derive levels using source shock amplitude and transmissibility as well as attenuation
  • Serves as recognized authority on shock attenuation and transmissibility mechanisms
  • Utilizes vibro-acoustic software to investigate and resolve shock-related phenomena

Engine dynamics
  • Leads rotor-dynamics analyses to evaluate pump bearing and impeller blade performance
  • Provides technical direction for engine test-stand instrumentation (accelerometers, microphones, pressure transducers, and specialized sensors)
  • Processes and interprets engine test data (acceleration, acoustic, and pressure) to support anomaly resolution and design improvements
  • Applies flow-induced vibration (FIV) principles to pressurized line-set and component design
  • Analyzes acoustic cavities and their coupling effects on engine vibration response

Advanced Structural Dynamics Methods
  • Applies frequency-based substructuring (FBS) techniques to integrate test and analysis models
  • Develops Craig-Bampton reduced-order models in Nastran for spacecraft delivery to launch-vehicle providers in support of coupled-loads analysis (CLA)
  • Defines and implements custom Craig-Bampton reduction processes when standard outputs require custom recovery

Additional Senior-Level Expectations
  • Mentors junior and mid-level dynamics engineers and serves as technical authority on high-frequency dynamics issues
  • Drives technical risk reduction across programs through independent reviews and trade studies
  • Collaborates with propulsion, structures, and test organizations to ensure seamless integration of dynamics requirements and test results
  • Presents dynamics analyses and findings to program leadership and external customers

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
  • Education Bachelor's degree (Master's or PhD strongly preferred) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related field.
  • Experience 1+ years of progressive experience in structural dynamics, with a strong emphasis on high-frequency dynamic environments for launch vehicles or spacecraft.
  • Technical Expertise Deep domain expertise in:
  • Random vibration and shock environment derivation (flight data, SMC-S-016, NASA-SP-8072, Barrett/Spann methods, damage-based analysis)
  • Rotor dynamics, flow-induced vibration (FIV), and engine acoustics
  • Shock transmissibility, attenuation mechanisms, and vibro-acoustic analysis
  • Frequency-based substructuring (FBS) and Craig-Bampton model reduction techniques
  • Software & Tools Proficiency
  • Advanced proficiency in Nastran (including custom Craig-Bampton reduction) and Femap
  • Strong programming skills in Python (pandas, numpy, scipy, and signal processing libraries)
  • Experience with Wave6 or equivalent vibro-acoustic software
  • MATLAB for data analysis and visualization
  • Familiarity with Pyyeti, PyNastran, IMAT, or similar aerospace dynamics toolsets
  • Core Competencies
  • Proven ability to independently derive, validate, and defend complex dynamic environments
  • Expert-level signal processing for root-cause analysis (FFT, PSD, filtering, windowing, etc.)
  • Demonstrated success delivering Craig-Bampton reduced models for coupled loads analysis (CLA) to launch vehicle providers
  • Strong technical leadership and mentoring capabilities
  • Excellent technical writing and presentation skills for program leadership and external customers

Desired
  • Master's or PhD in Structural Dynamics, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
  • Direct experience supporting launch vehicle or spacecraft programs (e.g., vibration/acoustics environments, engine dynamics testing, or CLA)
  • Experience with test-analysis correlation, environmental testing, and anomaly resolution
  • Proficiency in additional tools such as Siemens TestLab, or custom signal-processing scripts
  • Track record of providing technical guidance to instrumentation teams and cross-functional design reviews
  • Experience with version control (Git) and collaborative development workflows
  • Demonstrated ability to drive technical risk reduction and influence design decisions at the system level

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
  • Degree

Bachelor's degree in:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Structural Engineering
  • or related field
  • Years of experience in role/industry
  • 10+ years
  • Software/ERP/Computer skills required
  • Nastran/Femap
  • Python(pandas, numpy, scipy)
  • Wave6
  • MATLAB
  • Fundamental understanding of:
  • Structural dynamics
  • Vibrations
  • Modal analysis
  • Acoustics
  • Familiarity with signal processing concepts:
  • FFT
  • PSD
  • Filtering
  • Windowing
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
  • Good technical writing skills
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Willingness to learn and take technical ownership

Desired
  • Master's degree in Structural Dynamics, Aerospace, or related field
  • Internship or project experience in:
  • Launch vehicles
  • Spacecraft
  • Aerospace structures
  • Environmental testing
  • Exposure to:
  • Vibro-acoustics
  • Coupled loads analysis
  • Pyyeti, PyNastran, IMAT, or similar tools
  • Test correlation
  • Experience with Git or version control
  • High attention to detail
  • Strong work ethic
  • Curiosity and technical initiative
  • Comfort working in fast-paced development environments
  • Interest in spaceflight and launch systems

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

What Firefly Aerospace employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply