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Flight Dynamics Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Relative Dynamics

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

$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 ...

Astrion

Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$110K - $180K/yr

... flight dynamics, vehicle performance characterization, propulsion system design, supersonic/hypersonic aerodynamics prediction, guidance, navigation, control, and flight test data analysis

Astrion

Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$110K - $180K/yr

... flight dynamics, vehicle performance characterization, propulsion system design, supersonic/hypersonic aerodynamics prediction, guidance, navigation, control, and flight test data analysis

Northrop Grumman

Staff Agile Product Owner

Fairfax, VA · Hybrid

$169K - $253K/yr

This Agile PO must have a strong understanding of Agile PO role and technical experience developing and fielding command and control systems (TT&C, Flight Dynamics, etc) for Space Systems. This ...

Auterion

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

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 ...

Auterion

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

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 ...

Auterion

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

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 ...

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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.

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

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

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

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

Flight Dynamics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Dynamics job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,366 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Model, Simulation, & Analysis Engineer

Stratos Solutions

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) Engineer

Target Labor Category: Junior/Intermediate/Senior
Position Location: Chantilly, VA (Customer Site)
Clearance Required: TS/SCI with Polygraph

Position Overview

Stratos Solutions has an opportunity for a Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) Engineer to support an Intelligence Community (IC) Space customer in Chantilly, VA. The selected candidate will operate in a collaborative engineering and peer review environment studying and analyzing complex space-domain problems to inform mission and acquisition decision-making.

This role supports mission-focused modeling, simulation, and technical analysis efforts delivering data-driven recommendations and technical insight to government stakeholders. The successful candidate will perform detailed system-level and phenomenology analyses across satellite, ground, and space communication architectures, contributing to performance assessments and forward-looking analytic roadmaps.

If you are passionate about applying analytical rigor to complex space systems and delivering actionable mission insight, we encourage you to apply.

About Stratos Solutions

Stratos Solutions delivers mission-focused engineering, acquisition, and operations support to the Intelligence Community and national security space enterprise. As an employee-owned company, Stratos combines technical excellence, operational agility, and a deep commitment to customer mission success. Our teams work at the forefront of space and intelligence innovation supporting programs critical to national security.

Responsibilities

The MS&A Engineer will support the development, execution, and documentation of modeling, simulation, and technical analysis activities across space-domain systems.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Orbital & Flight Dynamics Analysis

  • Perform orbital mechanics modeling and simulation activities including orbit determination, orbital maneuver analysis, and spacecraft flight dynamics assessments.

  • Support mission trajectory analysis and performance trade studies.

Communications & Link Analysis

  • Perform link budget, latency, and throughput analyses for RF, optical relay, and space-to-ground telecommunications systems.

  • Assess performance of space-based communication architectures under varying operational conditions.

Payload & Phenomenology Assessment

  • Conduct assessments of satellite payload sensor phenomenology (optical, radar, RF) and associated product quality.

  • Evaluate system-level impacts of payload design decisions on mission performance.

System Performance & Technical Analysis

  • Assess end-to-end system designs against Required Performance Parameters (RPPs).

  • Identify and evaluate Technical Performance Measures (TPMs).

  • Support engineering trade studies and analytic investigations across space and ground architectures.

Documentation & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Develop MS&A supporting documentation including:

    • Terms of reference

    • Study plans

    • Modeling assumptions

    • Data inputs/outputs

    • Analytic results and visualizations

    • Conclusions and recommendations

  • Present analytic findings to government and contractor stakeholders.

  • Advise leadership on forward-looking and follow-on studies to support long-term analytic roadmaps.

Required Qualifications Education & Clearance

  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field)

  • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph

Technical & Functional Skills

  • 2+ years of relevant experience in modeling, simulation, or engineering analysis

  • Experience using one or more of the following tools or technologies:

    • C++

    • Python

    • R

    • SQL / PostgreSQL

    • Linux

    • MATLAB

    • VBA

    • Systems Tool Kit (STK)

  • Experience collecting, organizing, and analyzing technical data sets

  • Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to present findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders

Desired Skills / Qualifications

  • Experience with free space optical and optical space-to-ground systems

  • Experience integrating MS&A and MBSE data sets using SysML

  • Experience developing or maintaining MBSE models

  • Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau or similar platforms

  • Experience developing and maintaining MS&A tools or analytic software

  • Familiarity with space mission performance assessment within IC or DoD programs