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Full Time Flight Dynamics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer to lead orbit design, trajectory analysis, and ... Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including ...

Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer

Kent, WA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer to support the development, analysis, and validation of advanced aerospace systems. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical ...

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Full Time Flight Dynamics Engineer information

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$46.5K

$118.5K

$260.5K

How much do full time flight dynamics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time flight dynamics engineer in the United States is $118,512.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a full time flight dynamics engineer do?

A Full Time Flight Dynamics Engineer is responsible for analyzing and predicting the motion of aircraft or spacecraft, ensuring stability and control during flight. Their work involves developing mathematical models, running simulations, and working closely with design and test teams to optimize vehicle performance and safety. They often use specialized software to study flight trajectories, aerodynamics, and system responses under various conditions. This role is crucial in both the aerospace and aviation industries for mission planning, navigation, and guidance.

What are some typical challenges faced by a full time flight dynamics engineer, and how do teams usually address them?

Full Time Flight Dynamics Engineers often encounter complex challenges such as modeling vehicle behavior under diverse atmospheric conditions and ensuring precise trajectory predictions. These tasks require strong analytical abilities and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including software developers, systems engineers, and test pilots. Teams typically address these challenges through robust simulation tools, regular cross-departmental meetings, and iterative testing to validate models and refine guidance algorithms. Continuous learning and adaptability are key, as technology and mission requirements evolve rapidly in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time flight dynamics engineer, and why are they important?

A Full Time Flight Dynamics Engineer typically needs a strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field, along with expertise in flight mechanics and orbital dynamics. Familiarity with simulation software such as MATLAB/Simulink, STK, and proficiency in programming languages like Python or C++ are commonly required, with some positions seeking specialized certifications. Excellent problem-solving skills, teamwork, and clear communication are crucial soft skills that enable effective collaboration and innovative solutions. These combined skills ensure precise analysis, safe flight operations, and successful mission outcomes in the aerospace industry.

What is the difference between Full Time Flight Dynamics Engineer vs Flight Test Engineer?

AspectFull Time Flight Dynamics EngineerFlight Test Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized in aerospace or aeronauticsEngineering degree, often with experience in flight testing
Work EnvironmentDesigning, analyzing, and validating flight dynamics modelsPlanning, executing, and analyzing flight test missions
Industry UsageAircraft and spacecraft development companiesAirlines, aerospace manufacturers, and government agencies

Full Time Flight Dynamics Engineers focus on modeling and analyzing aircraft or spacecraft flight behavior, while Flight Test Engineers are responsible for conducting and managing actual flight tests. Both roles require aerospace engineering expertise but differ in their primary activities—design and analysis versus testing and data collection.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Full Time Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs?

For Full Time Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Full Time Flight Dynamics Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,512 per year, or $57 per hour.

Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer I - Secret Clearance

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Rocket Lab Corporation
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

$109K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform tracking, navigation, maneuver, trajectory planning, and collision avoidance design and operations for space missions.

  • Develop and analyze spacecraft trajectories, including ascent, orbit insertion, and orbital maneuvers.

  • Support mission design activities such as launch window analysis, delta-V budgeting, and contingency planning.


Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. 

SENIOR FLIGHT DYNAMICS ENGINEER I - SECRET CLEARANCE

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer I based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, you will perform tracking, navigation, maneuver, trajectory planning, and collision avoidance design and operations for Earth orbiting, lunar, and interplanetary missions as part of a dynamic team with subject matter experts from Systems, Ground Software, Electrical, Avionics, Flight Software, Thermal, Propulsion, and GNC engineering disciplines. You will need to solve complex problems, at times under time critical conditions. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Develop and analyze launch vehicle and spacecraft trajectories, including ascent, orbit insertion, and orbital maneuvers
  • Perform orbital propagation, rendezvous planning, and station-keeping analysis for spacecraft operations
  • Support mission design including launch window analysis, delta-V budgets, and contingency planning
  • Interface with flight software and GNC teams to validate and optimize guidance profiles
  • Generate and deliver trajectory data products and flight dynamics support for mission readiness reviews
  • Contribute to development of in-house simulation tools and flight dynamics infrastructure
  • Support real-time mission operations including anomaly response and post-launch data analysis

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR FLIGHT DYNAMICS ENGINEER I:

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
  • 5+ years of experience in mission design, flight dynamics.
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics, Orbit determination theory.
  • Mission analysis with STK, Astrogator, GMAT, Monte, Copernicus, or equivalent.
  • Python software development.
  • Git version control, or an equivalent version control system.
  • Jira software project management or equivalent.
  • Active Secret clearance, with ability to obtain TS/SCI
  • U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Monte Carlo numerical simulation.
  • Orbit determination analysis with ODTK, Orekit, or equivalent
  • Team and/or software project management experience.
  • Ability to work complex problems under time pressure.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks in consultation with a range of stakeholders.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.


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