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The Aerospace Corporation · 3 months ago

2026 Flight Dynamics Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

$100K/yr - $120K/yr

0+ years exp

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. The Flight Dynamics Engineer will provide flight mechanics expertise for launch vehicles and space vehicles, focusing on trajectory design, astrodynamics analysis, and operational support for various missions.

AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary

Work & Life Balance

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft for missions operating in LEO, MEO, HEO, GEO, and other earth-centric regimes

Astrodynamics and orbital mechanics analysis including orbit propagation and maneuver design and optimization for orbit transfer, stationkeeping, graveyard, disposal, and reentry events

Analysis of vehicles with chemical and/or electric propulsion

Evaluating contested missions applications for space systems to understand threat performance, assess vulnerabilities, and improve system resiliency

Maneuver and orbit design, selection, and optimization for missions that support Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) objectives with complex operational constraints

Developing Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), exploring Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and incorporating operational constraints into the design and maturation of space systems

Providing operational support for nominal launch and spacecraft deployment and transfer sequences, anomaly resolution, and on-call emerging events

Utilizing optimal control, flight mechanics, and computer science/algorithm development skills to create new capabilities to service customer requests as stand-alone services and/or ready-to-integrate submodules

Combining AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling for assessing complex analysis and decision-making trade spaces

Performing research and development and building new flight dynamics tools to cultivate and maintain a healthy and modern internal tool base

Leveraging external tools like ASSET, GPOPS-II, SNOPT, POST, OTIS, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG, etc. where appropriate to augment internally developed capabilities

Cislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics analysis and trajectory optimization

Hypersonics, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicle trajectory design and optimization (including Golden Dome support)

Time-dependent Traveling Salesman Problems and Facility Location Problem analysis (multi-destination, multi-vehicle trajectory frameworks)

Integrated, multi-disciplinary RPO system simulations

Qualification

Flight mechanicsAstrodynamicsTrajectory optimizationOrbital mechanicsProgramming CProgramming C++Programming FortranProgramming PythonProgramming JavascriptProgramming LinuxProgramming MATLABOptimal controlAlgorithm developmentTeam collaborationProblem solvingCommunication skills

Required

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines

0-1 years of experience in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, maneuver optimization, trajectory optimization, launch vehicle trajectory design, hypersonic vehicle modeling, or general trajectory modeling and simulation

Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages and environments: C, C++, Fortran, Python, Javascript, Linux, and/or MATLAB

Willing to travel domestically approx. 10%

The ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance is required. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. This position will require a TS clearance (SSBI) with SCI access and the chosen applicant will be submitted for this upon hiring if they do not currently possess it

Transcripts required for this position

Preferred

PhD degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is strongly desired

Graduate level course work, research and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, ascent trajectory modeling, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, and/or trajectory modeling and simulation

Experience using or building analysis software to combine numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches for launch vehicles, missiles, interceptors, spacecraft, or reentry vehicles (hypersonics)

Experience with nonlinear programming (non-linear programming), direct methods, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary algorithms, heuristic optimization methods, indirect methods, and/or calculus of variations

Advanced algorithm development skills to include parallel processing and scripting experience

Current TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP Access

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

Flexible spending accounts

Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

Relocation assistance

Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

Education assistance programs

An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect