Flight Dynamics Engineer – Hypersonics & Space

Leidos Inc; Shalimar (FL); On-site; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Flight Dynamicist within the Defense Systems Advanced Development Organization. You will develop and analyze flight dynamics models, perform trajectory design, and design GNC algorithms for hypersonic and missile systems.

The role requires collaboration across disciplines, high-fidelity simulations, and strong aerospace engineering foundations. A security clearance is required, with potential to obtain TS, to support mission-critical programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution and 4 years of experience.
• Minimum Masters and 2-4 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.
• Demonstrated capability establishing data pipeline transformations, executing batch simulation runs, or debugging CI test sequences.
• 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 TS, as required.

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.
• Collaborate across disciplines including aerodynamics, propulsion, thermal, systems engineering, software, and mission analysis teams to translate requirements into executable vehicle designs.
• Support flight test planning, pre-flight predictions, post-flight reconstruction, and data analysis activities to validate models and improve system performance.

Skills

Flight dynamics modeling

Trajectory analysis

GNC algorithms

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

STK

GMAT

FORTRAN

C/C++

Security clearance

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's in Aerospace/Mechanical/Physics/Applied Math

Master's degree in related field

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

STK

GMAT

FORTRAN

C/C++

Job description

Leidos is seeking a Flight Dynamicist within the Defense Systems Advanced Development Organization. You will develop and analyze flight dynamics models, perform trajectory design, and design GNC algorithms for hypersonic and missile systems.

The role requires collaboration across disciplines, high-fidelity simulations, and strong aerospace engineering foundations. A security clearance is required, with potential to obtain TS, to support mission-critical programs.