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Flight Dynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

E-Space

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Saratoga, CA

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 ...

E-Space

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 ...

E-Space

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 ...

Merlin Labs

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Boston, MA

We are seeking a Flight Dynamics Engineer to develop and integrate aircraft models within our simulation environment, supporting scalable and reusable modeling across multiple aircraft platforms.

Merlin Labs

We are seeking a Flight Dynamics Engineer to develop and integrate aircraft models within our simulation environment, supporting scalable and reusable modeling across multiple aircraft platforms.

The Aerospace Corporation

$110 - $166/hr

## Flight Dynamics EngineerApplylocations: El Segundo, CA: Chantilly, VA: Colorado Springs, CO: Albuquerque, NMtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: September 11, 2026 ...

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How much do flight dynamics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 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 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.

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 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 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.

How to become a flight dynamics engineer?

To become a flight dynamics engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, aeronautics, or a related field is required, often supplemented by a master's degree for advanced roles. Strong skills in mathematics, physics, and programming, along with experience using simulation tools and understanding aircraft or spacecraft behavior, are essential. Internships or co-op programs can provide practical experience in flight analysis and modeling.
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What states have the most Flight Dynamics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Flight Dynamics jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Flight Dynamics jobs look for?

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Flight Dynamics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Dynamics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,871 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Flight Dynamics Manager

Cedar Park, TX

Firefly Aerospace

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Learn more about Firefly Aerospaceexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

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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