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Flight Dynamics Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

CACI

Rotorcraft & Flight Test Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$79K - $162K/yr

Join a dynamic engineering team focused on cutting-edge rotorcraft and drone technology development ... testing, flight simulation, and rotorcraft aerodynamics in a collaborative, innovation-driven ...

Reliant Space

Mission Operations Engineer

Reston, VA · Remote

$71K - $96K/yr

Reliant Space is seeking an Mission Operations Engineer to support real-time on-orbit operations ... Experience in flight orbital dynamics including trajectory design, maneuver planning, and orbit ...

AST SpaceMobile

Satellite Operations Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$69K - $94K/yr

Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by ... Familiarity with mission planning, flight dynamics, and ground network operations * Prior work in a ...

Auterion

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA

$140K - $170K/yr

As a GNC Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and sustaining the guidance, navigation ... Strong grasp of flight dynamics and fundamentals of aerodynamics * Proficient in C/C ...

Auterion

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

As a GNC Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and sustaining the guidance, navigation ... Strong grasp of flight dynamics and fundamentals of aerodynamics * Proficient in C/C ...

Auterion

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

As a GNC Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and sustaining the guidance, navigation ... Strong grasp of flight dynamics and fundamentals of aerodynamics * Proficient in C/C ...

i3

GNC Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$125K - $203K/yr

Overview We are seeking a GNC Engineer with real-time programming experience to support development ... General knowledge of flight vehicle dynamics, subsystem function, and 6DOF execution concepts.

Integration Innovation, Inc.

GNC Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$125K - $203K/yr

Overview We are seeking a GNC Engineer with real-time programming experience to support development ... General knowledge of flight vehicle dynamics, subsystem function, and 6DOF execution concepts.

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Flight Dynamics Engineer information

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$52.7K

$134.2K

$295K

How much do flight dynamics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight dynamics engineer in Washington is $134,227.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,600.00 and $130,200.00 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Flight Dynamics Engineer job openings:

Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Dynamics Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,227 per year, or $64.5 per hour.

2027 PhD Graduate - Missile GN&C Engineer - Flight Navigation, Guidance & Control Evaluation and Dev

Laurel, MD • On-site

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratoryexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop innovative GN&C methodologies for next-generation strategic missile flight systems.

  • Apply state estimation techniques and develop navigation algorithms for 6-DOF simulations to evaluate weapon system performance.

  • Present analysis and results to sponsors to inform weapon system performance and design decisions.

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Do you have a passion for applied research and development in the field of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C)?
Are you interested in working on cutting edge weapon systems that are critical for the survivability and long-term deterrence strategy of the United States?
Are you up to the challenge of providing critical insight into the GN&C performance of Nuclear Ballistic Missile Systems, hypersonic missile systems, and influencing the design of next-generation weapon systems?
If you are graduating or have recently graduated with a PhD degree in engineering, math, or physics, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
The Strategic Flight Guidance, Navigation, and Control Group is seeking a passionate PhD Grad to help us with the design, implementation and evaluation of GN&C subsystems for the nation's primary missile systems. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers, physicists, and mathematicians who are enthusiastic about their role as an independent evaluator for the nation's strategic systems. We strive to foster an environment of innovation and learning to develop the critical technologies and experts of the future.
As a Missile GNC Engineer You Will:
  • Develop innovative GN&C methodologies for next-generation strategic missile flight systems.
  • Apply state estimation techniques to solve problems with very large state representations for applications in on-board implementations and post-flight analysis.
  • Develop and understand underlying weapon system navigation related error models from a fundamental math and physics perspective.
  • Work with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB and Simulink to generate navigation sensor models and conduct performance trade studies.
  • Develop navigation algorithms for 6-DOF simulations.
  • Present analysis and results to sponsors that depend on APL to independently inform weapon system performance and designs.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have, or soon to have, a PhD in Engineering, Physics, Math, or a related field.
  • Have had coursework and/or research experience in flight dynamics, guidance, navigation, or control, linear state-space systems, physical system modeling, or estimation theory.
  • Are inquisitive and are willing to learn new skills and expand your capabilities.
  • Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience with MATLAB or another programming language such as C++.
  • Have experience or coursework with aided inertial navigation error analysis or system development.
  • Have experience or coursework with Kalman filtering.
  • Hold an active Secret or higher-level clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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