Flight Dynamicist

Leidos Inc; King of Prussia (PA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Flight Dynamicist to join the Defense Systems Advanced Development Organization. You will develop and analyze flight dynamics models, design trajectory optimization for hypersonic and space systems, and implement GNC algorithms across multiple programs.

The role requires 8–10 years of aerospace experience, proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and related tools, and an active security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related ABET-accredited program.
• 8–10 years in flight dynamics, trajectory analysis, or related aerospace engineering.
• Experience with 3DOF/6DOF vehicle simulations.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, STK, GMAT, FORTRAN, or C/C++.
• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and analyze 3DOF and 6DOF flight dynamics models across the full flight envelope.
• Perform trajectory design and optimization for hypersonic, missiles, and space systems.
• Design, implement, and validate GNC algorithms including autopilot and terminal guidance.
• Develop high-fidelity simulations and digital engineering models for concept, design, and test.
• Conduct aerodynamic, propulsion, mass properties, and environmental analyses.
• Perform flight mechanics analyses including stability, separation, staging, and reentry.
• Develop and integrate mission-level models within modeling and simulation frameworks.
• Support flight test planning, pre-flight predictions, post-flight reconstruction, and data analysis.
• Collaborate across aerodynamics, propulsion, thermal, systems engineering, software, and mission analysis.
• Support proposals and customer engagements; present results to leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Flight dynamics

Trajectory analysis

Modeling & simulation

Cross-functional teamwork

Proposal support

Aerospace fundamentals

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering (ABET)

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

STK

GMAT

FORTRAN

C/C++

Job description

Description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Your greatest work is ahead!

Leidos' Defense Systems Advanced Development Organization is seeking a talented Flight Dynamicist

to join our team to to create unique solutions for complex problems. With offices across the United States engaging in the defense, space, cyber and commercial fields, Leidos provides responsive, cost-effective engineering, scientific and IT solutions. TheAdvanced Concepts Flight Dynamicist will support modeling and simulation development, conceptual design, and vehicle development of various phases of Missiles, Hypersonic Vehicles, Satellites, and other Space Vehicles. The candidate will perform detailed analysis of flexible and rigid body simulations, separation dynamics, orbit dynamics, trajectory analysis, vehicle sizing, and optimization studies across a multi-disciplinary team.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

Leidos Defense Systems Sector

Provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions.

Primary Responsibilities.

• Develop and analyze 3DOF and 6DOF flight dynamics models to evaluate vehicle performance, stability, controllability, and mission effectiveness across the full flight envelope.
• Perform trajectory design, optimization, and trade studies for hypersonic, missile, launch vehicle, and space systems, balancing performance, range, payload, thermal, and operational constraints.
• Design, implement, and validate guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms including autopilot logic, trajectory shaping, target engagement, and terminal guidance functions.
• Develop high-fidelity simulations and digital engineering models to support concept development, requirements analysis, mission planning, system design, verification, and test activities.
• Conduct aerodynamic, propulsion, mass properties, and environmental sensitivity analyses to assess vehicle performance and identify key design drivers and technical risks.
• Perform flight mechanics analyses including stability and control assessments, separation dynamics, staging events, atmospheric flight, reentry, and orbital mission operations as applicable.
• Develop and integrate mission-level models within modeling and simulation frameworks, digital engineering environments, and hardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop test architectures.
• Support flight test planning, pre-flight predictions, post-flight reconstruction, and data analysis activities to validate models and improve system performance.
• Collaborate across disciplines including aerodynamics, propulsion, thermal, systems engineering, software, and mission analysis teams to translate requirements into executable vehicle designs.
• Support technical proposals, customer engagements, concept studies, and strategic growth initiatives related to advanced aerospace, missile defense, hypersonic, and space systems.
• Present technical results, trade studies, and recommendations to internal leadership, customers, and stakeholders through briefings, reports, and design reviews.

Basic Qualifications.

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in flight dynamics, trajectory analysis, mission design, guidance and control, modeling and simulation, or related aerospace engineering disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience developing and analyzing 3DOF and/or 6DOF vehicle simulations.
• Strong understanding of flight mechanics, orbital mechanics, trajectory optimization, vehicle stability and control, mass properties, and aerospace vehicle performance.
• Experience with aerospace modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, STK, GMAT, FORTRAN, C/C++, or similar engineering software environments.
• Experience performing multidisciplinary trade studies and translating analytical results into system-level design recommendations.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional engineering teams in a fast-paced development environment.
• Experience supporting technical proposals, customer interactions, and engineering reviews.
• Active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain higher clearances as required.

Preferred Qualifications.

• Master's Degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related discipline.
• Experience supporting hypersonic systems, missile systems, space vehicles, launch vehicles, reentry vehicles, or advanced weapons programs.
• Experience with digital engineering, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), or integrated modeling and simulation environments.
• Experience supporting flight test programs including mission planning, trajectory reconstruction, and post-flight analysis.
• Familiarity with guidance, navigation, and control design, Monte Carlo analysis, uncertainty quantification, and optimization techniques.
• Experience supporting DoD, AFRL, MDA, NASA, Space Force, Navy, or Air Force aerospace programs.
• Active TS Clearance

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

$107,900.00 - $195,050.00

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.