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Flight Dynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$50K - $200K/yr

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will develop and maintain in-house and commercial flight dynamics and mission analysis software tools, and apply them to design, analyze, and operate our ...

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will develop and maintain in-house and commercial flight dynamics and mission analysis software tools, and apply them to design, analyze, and operate our ...

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will develop and maintain in-house and commercial flight dynamics and mission analysis software tools, and apply them to design, analyze, and operate our ...

Hermeus is seeking a Dynamics Engineer to join our growing Flight Sciences Team. In this role, you will perform analysis, modeling, and testingto verify subsystem dynamics and control system ...

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

Hermeus is seeking a Dynamics Engineer to join our growing Flight Sciences Team. In this role, you will perform analysis, modeling, and testingto verify subsystem dynamics and control system ...

Hermeus is seeking a Dynamics Engineer to join our growing Flight Sciences Team. In this role, you will perform analysis, modeling, and testingto verify subsystem dynamics and control system ...

We are looking for a Sr. Manager of Flight Dynamics to join our team. The goal of this role at Wisk is to bring experience, skill and capability to the Flight Dynamics team working on the Wisk Gen 6 ...

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Flight Dynamics information

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How much do flight dynamics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight dynamics in the United States is $28.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Flight Dynamics vs Flight Test Engineer?

AspectFlight DynamicsFlight Test Engineer
Required CredentialsDegree in aerospace engineering, physics, or related field; knowledge of flight mechanicsDegree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related; experience with flight testing
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, simulation centers, aircraft design teamsOn aircraft during testing, ground support, data analysis
Industry UsageAircraft design, simulation, stability analysisConducting and analyzing flight tests for aircraft certification

Flight Dynamics focuses on analyzing and modeling aircraft behavior and stability, often through simulations and theoretical work. Flight Test Engineers are hands-on professionals who plan, execute, and analyze actual flight tests to validate aircraft performance. While both roles require aerospace knowledge, Flight Dynamics emphasizes modeling and analysis, whereas Flight Test Engineers focus on practical testing and data collection during flights.

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

Professionals in Flight Dynamics often encounter challenges such as managing the complexities of trajectory optimization, ensuring precise attitude control, and adapting to evolving mission requirements. These issues require strong analytical skills, close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (such as guidance, navigation, and control engineers), and the use of advanced simulation tools to validate models. Staying current with industry software and continuously refining problem-solving approaches can help address these challenges effectively. Regular communication with other engineering teams also ensures alignment and fosters innovative solutions.

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

To thrive in Flight Dynamics, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, or applied mathematics, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB, Simulink, or STK), flight control systems, and modeling tools is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure accurate analysis, safe flight operations, and clear collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in complex aerospace projects.

What are flight dynamics?

Flight dynamics refers to the study of the forces and motions that affect the path of an aircraft or spacecraft as it moves through the air or space. It involves understanding how factors like lift, drag, weight, and thrust interact to influence an object's position, orientation, and stability during flight. Professionals in this field analyze and predict how vehicles respond to control inputs and environmental conditions to ensure safe and efficient flight. Flight dynamics is crucial in designing flight control systems and planning flight paths.
More about Flight Dynamics jobs
What states have the most Flight Dynamics jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Dynamics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Flight Dynamics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,871 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Flight Dynamics Manager

Flight Dynamics Manager

Firefly Aerospace

Cedar Park, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Firefly Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 61 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
As the Flight Dynamics Manager at Firefly Aerospace, you will lead a technical team supporting mission design, orbit determination, and maneuver planning for operational spacecraft across LEO and cislunar space. In this role, you will own all aspects of team leadership including recruitment, career development, and performance management while driving strategic planning, budget management, and operational execution. This position combines technical expertise in spacecraft flight dynamics with people leadership, requiring you to build team capabilities, foster a high-performing culture, and deliver mission-critical support in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead a flight dynamics team supporting multiple spacecraft programs and development efforts
  • Own all aspects of team staffing including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning
  • Conduct performance evaluations and drive career development through mentorship and coaching of engineers at all levels
  • Set flight dynamics objectives and communicate priorities to team members and cross-functional stakeholders
  • Develop and manage the flight dynamics budget and annual operating plan
  • Direct daily operations of the team ensuring timely delivery of mission-critical software development, analysis, and operational support
  • Interface with program managers and mission stakeholders to allocate team responsibilities and establish execution schedules
  • Drive flight dynamics strategy and roadmap development, identifying capability gaps and investment priorities
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives for flight dynamics processes, tools, and operational efficiency
  • Foster a healthy team culture and maintain high morale in a demanding technical and operational environment

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
  • 10+ years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics with demonstrated expertise across mission design, orbit determination, and maneuver planning
  • 5+ years of technical team leadership experience including direct management of engineers and technical staff
  • Demonstrated experience supporting operational spacecraft missions through multiple mission phases
  • Proven ability to recruit, hire, develop, and retain high-performing technical talent
  • Demonstrated success building team capabilities through mentorship, training, and career development
  • Experience managing team budgets, resource planning, and workforce forecasting
  • Experience establishing technical standards, processes, and best practices for flight dynamics organizations
  • Excellent communication skills with ability to convey complex technical concepts to executives, customers, and non-technical stakeholders
  • Ability to foster a collaborative team culture while meeting demanding mission schedules

Desired
  • Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
  • Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and their impact on trajectory design and orbit determination
  • Experience with Python and Linux
  • Proficiency with one or more commercial flight dynamics software tools (STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, ODTK, or similar)
  • Experience developing strategic vision, technical roadmaps, and upgrade initiatives for flight dynamics teams
  • Experience leading or supporting anomaly investigations and resolving critical mission issues

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

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