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Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aetherflux

Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer

Seattle, 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 ...

E-Space

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Saratoga, CA

$50K - $200K/yr

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will develop and maintain in-house and commercial flight dynamics and mission analysis software tools, and apply them to design, analyze, and operate our ...

E-Space

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$50K - $200K/yr

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will develop and maintain in-house and commercial flight dynamics and mission analysis software tools, and apply them to design, analyze, and operate our ...

E-Space

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Saratoga, CA

$50K - $200K/yr

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, you will develop and maintain in-house and commercial flight dynamics and mission analysis software tools, and apply them to design, analyze, and operate our ...

Hermeus

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

Hermeus is seeking a Dynamics Engineer to join our growing Flight Sciences Team. In this role, you will perform analysis, modeling, and testingto verify subsystem dynamics and control system ...

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior flight dynamics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior flight dynamics engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer faces when working on new aircraft or spacecraft projects?

A Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer often encounters challenges such as integrating complex aerodynamic models with real-world data, ensuring stability and control requirements are met under varying flight conditions, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams including systems engineers, software developers, and test pilots. These projects frequently involve tight deadlines, rapidly evolving requirements, and the need to balance performance, safety, and regulatory compliance. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate the technical and organizational complexities of these high-stakes projects.

What are Senior Flight Dynamics Engineers?

Senior Flight Dynamics Engineers are highly experienced professionals responsible for analyzing and controlling the motion of aircraft and spacecraft. They use advanced mathematical models and simulations to ensure optimal flight performance, stability, and safety. These engineers often lead teams, design flight control systems, and solve complex aerodynamic challenges during the design, testing, and operational phases of aerospace projects. Their expertise is critical in both commercial and defense aviation industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer, you need deep expertise in aerodynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theory, typically supported by a degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software like MATLAB, Simulink, and flight dynamics analysis tools, as well as experience with programming languages such as Python or C++, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and presenting complex findings. These skills ensure accurate modeling, safe and efficient flight operations, and successful delivery of aerospace projects.

What is the difference between Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer vs Flight Dynamics Engineer?

AspectSenior Flight Dynamics EngineerFlight Dynamics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related; experience preferredBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, simulation labs, mission planningDesign teams, simulation labs, mission planning
Employer & IndustrySpace agencies, aerospace companies, satellite operators

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. Senior Flight Dynamics Engineers typically have more experience and lead complex projects, while Flight Dynamics Engineers focus on analysis and support tasks. Both roles require similar credentials and work in similar environments within the aerospace industry.

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What cities are hiring for Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer job openings:
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Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer 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 $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer II - Secret Clearance

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 71 rated aerospace companies

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 II - SECRET CLEARANCE

As a Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer II 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 II:

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Space Systems, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Physics degree.
  • 8+ 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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