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Flight Dynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

EVONA

Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$119K - $163K/yr

Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer Seattle, WA Our client is an innovative space technology company developing next-generation infrastructure to support the growing orbital economy. Their mission is to ...

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How much do flight dynamics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight dynamics in the United States is $28.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $28.85 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.

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 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.
More about Flight Dynamics jobs
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What job categories do people searching Flight Dynamics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Dynamics jobs are:
Flight Dynamics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Dynamics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,871 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer

Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer

Firefly Aerospace

Cedar Park, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Firefly Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 61 rated aerospace companies

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
SUMMARY
As a Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer at Firefly, you will function as a technical authority in the company on spacecraft trajectory design, orbit determination, and maneuver planning for missions spanning Earth orbit, cislunar space, and the lunar surface. This technical leadership role requires a seasoned expert with deep mastery of orbital mechanics and a proven track record of solving the most complex flight dynamics challenges on operational missions. The Principal Flight Dynamics Engineer will drive technical strategies, establish best practices, and shape future capabilities of the Firefly flight dynamics organization while mentoring and developing engineers of all levels. This position offers the opportunity to influence mission architectures from concept through operations, represent Firefly's technical excellence to customers and executive leadership, and solve unique problems that push the boundaries of spaceflight.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Serve as a technical authority on flight dynamics, providing expertise across all spacecraft programs and mission phases
  • Develop and validate novel flight dynamics methodologies, tools, and best practices for complex or unprecedented mission requirements
  • Lead resolution of the most challenging flight dynamics problems across the company
  • Provide authoritative technical review and approval of all flight dynamics products
  • Establish rigorous unit testing standards and practices to increase the reliability of flight dynamics software
  • Drive flight dynamics strategy and roadmap development, identifying capability gaps and investment priorities
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives for flight dynamics processes, tools, and operational efficiency
  • Represent flight dynamics expertise in executive-level technical reviews, mission milestone reviews, customer meetings, and proposal efforts
  • Mentor and coach engineers at all levels, fostering their technical growth and career development
QUALIFICATIONSRequired
  • Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
  • 10+ years of experience in spacecraft flight dynamics with demonstrated expertise across mission design, orbit determination, or maneuver planning
  • Demonstrated experience supporting operational spacecraft missions through multiple mission phases
  • Mastery of orbital mechanics theory and applications
  • Expertise in numerical optimization, root-solving techniques, and estimation theory
  • Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and their impact on trajectory design and state estimation
  • Proficiency in software development and modeling/simulation for spaceflight applications
  • Software engineering expertise with proficiency in development practices including version control, code review, testing, documentation, and CI/CD workflows
  • Experience with Python and Linux
  • Proficiency with one or more commercial flight dynamics software tools (STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, ODTK, or similar)
  • Experience developing strategic vision, technical roadmaps, and upgrade initiatives for flight dynamics teams
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop engineers at all levels, with a track record of cultivating new technical leaders
  • Excellent communication skills with ability to convey complex technical concepts to executives, customers, and non-technical stakeholders
Desired
  • Advanced Python proficiency and experience with JPL's MONTE software suite
  • Proficiency in spacecraft trajectory design using STK
  • Proven ability to influence technical direction and drive consensus across multidisciplinary organizations
  • Experience interfacing with program management, customers, and executive leadership
  • Experience representing organizations in customer meetings, technical reviews, and industry forums
  • Experience establishing technical standards, processes, and best practices for flight dynamics organizations
  • Experience leading or supporting anomaly investigations and resolving critical mission issues
  • Track record of thought leadership through publications, presentations, or contributions to industry state-of-the-art

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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