Flight Dynamicist

Leidos · Shalimar, FL · 1 wk ago

Hybrid$70k–$126k/yrFull-time

Primary Responsibilities

Update current and create new aerospace modeling and simulation tools in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C++, and FORTRAN, or other similar programming languages.
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.
Develop low/medium-fidelity simulations and digital engineering models to support concept development, requirements analysis, mission planning, system design, verification, and test activities.
Conduct preliminary 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.
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 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 tools in support of 3DOF and/or 6DOF vehicle simulations.
Basic understanding of flight mechanics, orbital mechanics, trajectory optimization, vehicle stability and control, mass properties, and aerospace vehicle performance.
Demonstrated capability establishing data pipeline transformations, executing batch simulation runs, or debugging continuous integration test sequences.
Able 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems 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.
Hands-on experience configuring hardware interfaces, firmware execution (e.g., microcontrollers, embedded single-board computers), or mechanical prototyping layouts.
Familiarity with collaborative design suites, parameter manipulation, and distributed configuration tooling (such as Onshape, Fusion 360, or Solid Edge).
Background supporting complex tactical defense systems, global missile defense simulation suites, or precise long-range missile performance studies.
Passion for KSP.
TS Clearance if required.

About Leidos

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.

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.

Securing Your Data

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