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Flight Dynamics Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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.

... flight dynamics) and/or sensor phenomenology (optics/radar/RF) * Use and develop cutting-edge ... Bachelor's Degree in a STEM related field such as Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Aerospace ...

Showing results 41-60

Flight Dynamics Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$52.7K

$134.2K

$295K

How much do flight dynamics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 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 cities in Washington are hiring for Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs?

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

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.

GNC Engineer

Auterion

Arlington, VA

$140K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

As a GNC Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and sustaining the guidance, navigation, and control software that powers Auterion's Skynode platform, built on PX4.

Your primary focus will be enabling strike drone capabilities, including integration of Auterion's software stack onto partner hardware and ensuring reliable performance in operational environments.

You will work closely with product and field teams to improve system performance, support deployments, and rapidly troubleshoot issues observed during testing and real-world operations.

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Develop and maintain guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) capabilities within PX4 and AuterionSDK, including new features, performance improvements, and automated testing
  • Own and evolve the US guidance controller for strike applications, ensuring robustness and mission effectiveness
  • Define, analyze, and review software requirements to meet customer needs, system performance targets, and quality standards
  • Design and implement flight- and mission-critical onboard software for unmanned systems
  • Diagnose and resolve GNC-related issues from field operations through flight log analysis, providing rapid initial assessment and driving root-cause resolution
  • Work closely with product, integration, and flight operations teams to support deployments and continuously improve system performance
  • Travel to customer sites (typically 1–2 weeks at a time) to support platform integration, testing, and advanced GNC tuning

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
  • Strong grasp of flight dynamics and fundamentals of aerodynamics
  • Proficient in C/C++ (particularly on Linux based systems and memory-constrained embedded processors) and Python
  • Working knowledge of PX4 or comparable autopilot technology
  • Experience programming robotic applications in ROS/ROS2
  • Understanding of Kalman filtering and other state estimation algorithms
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to keep a global team fully informed
  • Hands-on drone experience, including piloting, is a plus
  • US citizenship & eligibility to obtain secret clearance required.

Base Salary Range: $140,000 - $170,000

Benefits:

  • Flexible working hours
  • Stock Options
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Health Insurance (includes dental & vision)
  • Medical flex spending
  • Life Insurance
  • Retirement Plan - 401k with company match
  • Enhanced maternity & paternity leave

About Auterion

We are building the leading software platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems.

At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you'll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.