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Flight Dynamics Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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

$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 ...

Hermeus

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$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 ...

E-Space

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Saratoga, CA

$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 ...

Hermeus

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$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

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 ...

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Flight Dynamics Engineer information

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$45.9K

$117K

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How much do flight dynamics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight dynamics engineer in California is $116,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,800.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Flight Dynamics Engineer do?

A Flight Dynamics Engineer is responsible for analyzing and optimizing the motion and control of aircraft and spacecraft. They develop mathematical models, simulate flight behavior, and assess aerodynamics, propulsion, and stability. Their work ensures safe and efficient flight performance by refining guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems. They collaborate with other engineers to test and validate designs using simulations and real-world flight data.

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

To thrive as a Flight Dynamics Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, and physics, often supported by a relevant degree. Experience with flight simulation software (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink), aerodynamics modeling tools, and familiarity with industry standards or certifications like ITAR compliance is common. Analytical problem-solving abilities, effective teamwork, and clear technical communication are standout soft skills for this position. These skills help ensure accurate flight modeling, robust system integration, and effective collaboration in complex aerospace projects.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a Flight Dynamics Engineer?

As a Flight Dynamics Engineer, your daily responsibilities often include modeling aircraft or spacecraft trajectories, analyzing stability and control characteristics, and validating guidance and navigation algorithms. You’ll regularly collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, such as systems engineers and software developers, to integrate your models into larger system designs. Frequent tasks also involve supporting flight tests, troubleshooting performance issues, and generating technical reports or presentations for stakeholders. This mix of activities ensures variety and offers the opportunity to impact mission-critical outcomes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs in California? For Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Flight Dynamics Engineer job openings:
Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Dynamics Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,961 per year, or $56.2 per hour.
Flight Dynamics Engineer II

Flight Dynamics Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. 

FLIGHT DYNAMICS ENGINEER II

As a Flight Dynamics Engineer II based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, you will perform tracking, navigation, maneuver, trajectory planning, and collision avoidance design and operations for Earth orbiting, lunar, and interplanetary missions as part of a dynamic team with subject matter experts from Systems, Ground Software, Electrical, Avionics, Flight Software, Thermal, Propulsion, and GNC engineering disciplines. You will need to solve complex problems, at times under time critical conditions. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Develop and analyze launch vehicle and spacecraft trajectories, including ascent, orbit insertion, and orbital maneuvers
  • Perform orbital propagation, rendezvous planning, and station-keeping analysis for spacecraft operations
  • Support mission design including launch window analysis, delta-V budgets, and contingency planning
  • Interface with flight software and GNC teams to validate and optimize guidance profiles
  • Generate and deliver trajectory data products and flight dynamics support for mission readiness reviews
  • Contribute to development of in-house simulation tools and flight dynamics infrastructure
  • Support real-time mission operations including anomaly response and post-launch data analysis

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
  • 2+ years of experience in mission design, flight dynamics.
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics, Orbit determination theory.
  • Mission analysis with STK, Astrogator, GMAT, Monte, Copernicus, or equivalent.
  • Python software development.
  • Git version control, or an equivalent version control system.
  • Jira software project management or equivalent.
  • Active Secret clearance OR ability to obtain and maintain one
  • U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Monte Carlo numerical simulation.
  • Orbit determination analysis with ODTK, Orekit, or equivalent
  • Team and/or software project management experience.
  • Ability to work complex problems under time pressure.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks in consultation with a range of stakeholders.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

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