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Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Flight Dynamics Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

We are seeking a Sr. Flight Dynamics Engineer to support the design, deployment, and ongoing operations of a large LEO satellite constellation. This role owns constellation architecture, orbital ...

Sr. Flight Dynamics Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

We are seeking a Sr. Flight Dynamics Engineer to support the design, deployment, and ongoing operations of a large LEO satellite constellation. This role owns constellation architecture, orbital ...

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 ...

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 ...

We are seeking a Flight Dynamics Engineer to develop and integrate aircraft models within our simulation environment, supporting scalable and reusable modeling across multiple aircraft platforms.

We are seeking a Flight Dynamics Engineer to develop and integrate aircraft models within our simulation environment, supporting scalable and reusable modeling across multiple aircraft platforms.

We are seeking a Flight Dynamics Engineer to develop and integrate aircraft models within our simulation environment, supporting scalable and reusable modeling across multiple aircraft platforms.

We are seeking a Flight Dynamics Engineer to develop and integrate aircraft models within our simulation environment, supporting scalable and reusable modeling across multiple aircraft platforms.

Showing results 21-40

Senior Flight Dynamics Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

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

As of Sep 13, 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 is a senior flight dynamics engineer?

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 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 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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Infographic showing various Senior 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 $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Sr. Flight Dynamics Engineer

Burlingame, CA • On-site

Xona Space Systems, Inc
Library and Information Services • 11 - 50 employees

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.
With Pulsar - the world's most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit - Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.
We are seeking a Sr. Flight Dynamics Engineer to support the design, deployment, and ongoing operations of a large LEO satellite constellation. This role owns constellation architecture, orbital analysis, maneuver planning, collision avoidance, and long-term orbital maintenance across the full mission lifecycle from early design through on-orbit operations.
What You'll Do
  • Design and analyze constellation architectures, including orbital regimes, plane spacing, phasing strategies, and deployment concepts
  • Perform trade studies for orbit selection (altitude, inclination, RAAN distribution, phasing) to meet coverage, lifetime, and regulatory requirements
  • Define station-keeping strategies and long-term orbit maintenance concepts for a large multi-satellite constellation
  • Generate, validate, and maintain orbital state products, including TLEs and high-fidelity ephemerides
  • Plan and optimize orbit insertion, phasing, station-keeping, and end-of-life disposal maneuvers while managing propellant usage and operational constraints
  • Perform conjunction assessment and collision risk analysis; develop collision avoidance (COLA) maneuver plans
  • Partner closely with mission operations, spacecraft systems, GNC, and software teams to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant orbital behavior across the constellation
Required Qualifications
  • 4+ years of experience in the spacecraft or satellite industry supporting LEO or MEO constellation missions
  • Strong foundation in orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, and flight dynamics analysis
  • Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as STK, GMAT, FreeFlyer, or equivalent
  • Experience with orbit determination and estimation tools (e.g., ODTK or similar)
  • Solid understanding of orbital perturbations (J2, atmospheric drag, SRP, third-body effects) and their impact on long-term orbital behavior
  • Experience analyzing spacecraft dynamics, control authority, and propulsion performance as they relate to trajectory design and constellation geometry
  • Familiarity with conjunction assessment, collision avoidance workflows, and regulatory/compliance considerations (e.g., debris mitigation, SpaceTrack, SDS)
Desired Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experience in the spacecraft or satellite industry supporting LEO or MEO constellation missions
  • Experience supporting on-orbit operations for large, multi-plane constellations
  • Hands-on involvement in maneuver planning and execution during flight operations
  • Proficiency with scripting and analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, or Bash
  • Experience working cross-functionally with GNC, mission ops, and flight software teams
  • Familiarity with regulatory interfaces and operational coordination with external entities

For U.S. Roles: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
For Canada Roles: Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.