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Flight Dynamics Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Experience supporting missile systems, unmanned systems, or weapons/flight dynamics programs * Experience supporting NSWCDD, NAVSEA, or other DoD weapons engineering divisions * Experience with ...

Perform advanced modeling related to orbital mechanics (orbit determination, orbital maneuvering, and spacecraft flight dynamics) and/or sensor phenomenology (optics/radar/RF) * Use and develop ...

Strong understanding of flight dynamics, aircraft control theory, and handling qualities. * Experience with model-based development, simulation environments, and control law verification.

About the Job We are seeking a Flight Software Engineer who possesses experience in Rust ... Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic development environment. * Experience with software ...

About the Job We are seeking a Flight Software Engineer who possesses experience in Rust ... Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic development environment. * Experience with software ...

GNC Aerospace Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Experience supporting missile systems, unmanned systems, or weapons/flight dynamics programs * Experience supporting NSWCDD, NAVSEA, or other DoD weapons engineering divisions * Experience with ...

Showing results 41-60

Flight Dynamics information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$28

$46

How much do flight dynamics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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 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.

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.

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 control systems are essential, along with experience using simulation tools and programming languages like MATLAB or Python. Gaining practical experience through internships or cooperative education programs can also improve job prospects.

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 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.
Infographic showing various Flight Dynamics job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% 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.

Mission Systems Software Test Engineer II

Blue Origin

Reston, VA

$134K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Blue Origin rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

We are a team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth! This position reports to the Ground & Spaceflight Operations in Blue Origin's Blue Ring business unit.

As part of a small, hardworking, and accomplished team of Mission Systems Engineers, you will work closely with space vehicle and ground system teams, to test ground and flight software within a software integration environment. This role is critical to ensuring that deployed software can successfully support our mission operations environments.

You will enjoy a fast-paced dynamic environment, contributing innovative solutions, while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence, and attention to detail. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention towards safe and reliable spaceflight.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact safe spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities:
  • Create effective test plans and scripts.
  • Document test configurations and results.
  • Identify and report software bugs to the Ground Software and Flight Software teams.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers representing flight vehicle systems, and ground software.
  • Plan and perform frequent mission system product update cycles, integration and test activities, and validation exercises leading to operations training events and flight.
  • Conduct testing of ground system functionality and measure performance.
  • Perform flight software to ground systems integration and test.
Qualifications:
  • B.S. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics or related technical field
  • Experience in two or more of the following areas:
    • Software testing and test script development
    • Spacecraft operations: command & control, mission planning, flight dynamics
    • Experience developing, deploying, and maintaining software in a cloud computing environment, such as AWS or Azure.
    • Network & communications protocols
  • Experience in one or more high level programming languages (Python, Golang, Rust, C++, etc)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, dynamic work environment
Desired (but not required):
  • Experience conducting end-to-end testing of large, complex systems.
  • Experience with requirement definition, design solution definition, implementation, integration, verification, validation, qualification
  • Experience using state of the art LLM software development tools, such as Codex or Claude Code
  • Experience with collaboration tools such as Confluence and JIRA.
  • Familiarity with version control, preferably Git.
  • Experience with configuration and product data management tools.

Base Pay Range for:

VA applicants is $134,961.00 - $188,945.40

Other site ranges may differ


Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.


Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.


Background Check

  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.


Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.



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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000