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Flight Dynamics Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$85 - $110/hr

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III) contract at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). In this role, you will be ...

Flight Safety Analyst

Onancock, VA · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III) contract at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). In this role, you will be ...

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III) contract at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). In this role, you will be ...

Flight Safety Analyst

Newport News, VA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III) contract at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). In this role, you will be ...

Flight Safety Analyst

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III) contract at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). In this role, you will be ...

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III) contract at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). In this role, you will be ...

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III) contract at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). In this role, you will be ...

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III) contract at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). In this role, you will be ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$156K - $219K/yr

This is a senior-level position that requires a deep understanding of flight dynamics, control theory, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology. Responsibilities include but ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$156K - $219K/yr

This is a senior-level position that requires a deep understanding of flight dynamics, control theory, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology. Responsibilities include but ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Dynamics information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$28

$46

How much do flight dynamics jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight dynamics in Virginia is $28.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.09 and $28.61 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.
Infographic showing various Flight Dynamics job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 64% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,366 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Flight Safety Analyst

On-site

Relative Dynamics
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees

$85 - $110/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

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Department: NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III)

At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011, our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering, models, services, and technology development. Visit us at www.relativedynamicsinc.com .

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III) contract at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). In this role, you will be employed by Relative Dynamics and assigned to work on projects in support of SMAS III. We are seeking a highly motivated individual experienced in Guided and Unguided Vehicle Flight Safety Analysis to join the Safety & Mission Assurance Office at Wallops Flight Facility (WFF). This position is located on site at NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, VA.

You will serve as a flight safety analyst for both Guided and Unguided launch vehicles. The work involves coordinating, monitoring, maintaining, and using technological processes in support of safety analysis for aerospace and aeronautical programs from definition to launch and operations.

What You'll Get to Do:

Flight Hazard Identification & Risk Analysis

Identify flight hazards and controls to mitigate flight hazards in aerospace or aeronautical vehicle tests or operations

Perform risk studies and prepare risk analyses and flight safety plans that define the safety limits, risk factors, and mission rules for missions, projects, and programs

Perform casualty expectation and protected area impact probability studies

Mission Compliance & Range User Support

Analyze mission objectives to assure compliance with Agency and GSFC/WFF Range Flight Safety criteria and advise range users on risk factors as they pertain to the mission

Adapt analysis methods and approaches to meet the unique requirements of assignments

Advanced Studies & Technical Analysis

Work with senior analysts to conduct conceptual definition studies and complex detailed analysis to establish preliminary designs and alternatives for advanced systems on proposed new projects for which no precedents are available

Perform theoretical, aerodynamic studies to evaluate factors (performance, stability, trajectory, etc.) that affect flight safety

Calculate flight safety limits for orbital guided launch vehicles and analyze post-flight data to confirm or deduce violations of limits or variations in predicted performance

Evaluate Failure Modes and Effects and Fault Tree Analysis

Technical Briefings & Reporting

Integrate study and analysis results into comprehensive technical briefings and reports to review panels and senior management to ensure that mission risks are understood

Required Skills & Background

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Mathematics.

A minimum of 5+ years of experience in both orbital and sub-orbital vehicle risk analysis.

Excellent oral communication and technical writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience developing software code and programs.

Experience with Trajectory Analysis and Optimization Software (TAOS) and MATLAB.

Experience with Range Safety Risk Analysis Tools and other software tools used to perform flight risk analysis.

Prior work with government ranges (e.g., NASA Wallops Island, Eastern Range, Western Range).

Who You Are:

A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment

A quick learner who is always ready to gain depth of knowledge

A reliable worker who knows the importance of showing up when it counts

Accept assignments with open, cooperative, positive, and team-oriented attitudes

Able to plan and execute plans across teams

Effective communicator, both written and verbal

What You'll Enjoy:

Competitive wage and benefits package

Medical, dental, vision, and life/disability insurance

Vacation and paid holidays

401k with company match

Employee referral program

Community involvement, investing and giving back to the community

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.

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