Senior Flight Dynamicist: Hypersonics & Space Systems

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

Job summary

Leidos Defense Systems is seeking a skilled Flight Dynamicist to join a multidisciplinary team focused on hypersonic, missile, and space vehicle development. You will build and analyze 3DOF/6DOF models, perform trajectory design, and implement robust GNC algorithms while collaborating with aerodynamics, propulsion, and systems teams.

The role emphasizes high-fidelity simulations, digital engineering, and model-based systems engineering to support concept studies, test planning, and program

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution.
• 8–10 years of experience in flight dynamics, trajectory analysis, mission design, guidance and control, modeling & simulation, or related aerospace disciplines.
• Experience developing and analyzing 3DOF/6DOF vehicle simulations.
• Strong understanding of flight mechanics, orbital mechanics, trajectory optimization, and vehicle performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and analyze 3DOF and 6DOF flight dynamics models to evaluate vehicle performance.
• Perform trajectory design, optimization, and trade studies for hypersonic, missile, launch vehicle, and space systems.
• Design, implement, and validate guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms including autopilot logic.
• Develop high-fidelity simulations and digital engineering models to support concept development and mission planning.
• Conduct aerodynamic, propulsion, mass properties, and environmental sensitivity analyses.
• Perform flight mechanics analyses including stability, separation dynamics, staging, and atmospheric flight.

Skills

Flight dynamics

Trajectory optimization

GNC algorithms

Multi-disciplinary analysis

Education

ABET-accredited aerospace engineering or related

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

STK

GMAT

FORTRAN/C/C++

Job description

Leidos Defense Systems is seeking a skilled Flight Dynamicist to join a multidisciplinary team focused on hypersonic, missile, and space vehicle development. You will build and analyze 3DOF/6DOF models, perform trajectory design, and implement robust GNC algorithms while collaborating with aerodynamics, propulsion, and systems teams.

The role emphasizes high-fidelity simulations, digital engineering, and model-based systems engineering to support concept studies, test planning, and program