About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Aerospace & Defense (flight simulation & training systems).

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Role overview

The Confidential Client is hiring a Flight Dynamics System Engineer to develop, integrate, test, and validate physics-based aircraft models used in high-fidelity flight simulators supporting defense programs. You will model aerodynamics, propulsion, equations of motion, atmospheric effects, flight controls, and other systems that influence aircraft behavior. The role includes model development, fidelity testing, software updates, and verification/validation activities to meet contractual and regulatory requirements.

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Key responsibilities

• Develop, modify, integrate, test, and maintain mathematical and physics-based models of aircraft behavior (aerodynamics, propulsion, 6-DOF equations of motion, atmospheric effects, ground reaction, flight controls, AFCS, motion/vibration).
• Analyze flight test, engineering, and other source data to develop, tune, and validate simulation models.
• Create and execute Automatic Fidelity Tests (AFTs) and other verification/validation methods; develop Qualification Test Guides (QTGs) per FAA Part 60 / AC120-40B or contract-equivalent guidance.
• Diagnose and resolve discrepancies between simulated and actual aircraft behavior; recommend model, software, or system corrections.
• Design, develop, and maintain simulation software in C/C++ and scripting languages on Linux and Windows platforms.
• Support hardware/software integration: control loading, motion, cockpit, and other simulator interfaces.
• Troubleshoot simulation systems, software, models, interfaces, and computer configurations both physically and logically.
• Participate in design reviews, integration activities, and system testing to meet technical, schedule, and contractual requirements.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation for models, software, testing, configuration, and performance.
• Support simulator qualification, acceptance testing, and customer evaluations.
• At mid and senior levels, provide technical guidance, mentoring, and knowledge transfer to less experienced engineers.

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Level expectations

Entry Level (0–3 years)

• Apply foundational aerodynamics, stability & control, propulsion, and flight dynamics knowledge to simulation tasks.
• Develop, test, and troubleshoot simulation models and software under guidance.
• Contribute to data analysis, integration testing, and technical documentation. Academic projects, internships, or lab experience are considered.

Mid Level (3–7 years)

• Independently develop, integrate, validate, and tune flight dynamics models and simulation software.
• Lead fidelity testing, analyze complex data, and resolve model/system discrepancies.
• Support integration activities, customer testing, and provide guidance to junior staff.

Senior Level (7+ years)

• Lead complex flight dynamics modeling, verification, validation, and integration efforts.
• Provide technical direction on modeling approaches, software architecture, and test methodologies.
• Mentor engineering teams and act as a technical authority during design reviews and major program milestones.

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Required qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related discipline (relevant coursework required).
• Solid knowledge of aerodynamics, flight dynamics, stability & control, propulsion, and aircraft performance.
• Experience or academic exposure to mathematical and physics-based modeling of aircraft behavior.
• Programming experience in C and/or C++; experience in Linux and/or Windows development environments.
• Familiarity with software configuration management and version control (Git, SVN).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, troubleshooting, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to analyze engineering and simulation data to support model development and validation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to explain technical topics to varied audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project schedules in a fast-paced, project-oriented environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel) and SharePoint.

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Preferred qualifications

• Prior work on flight dynamics or other physics-based simulation models.
• Experience with 6-DOF equations of motion, aerodynamic derivatives, propulsion modeling, atmospheric modeling, or flight control systems.
• Experience analyzing flight test and aircraft performance data.
• Familiarity with CFD or wind-tunnel analysis tools.
• Experience developing/executing Automatic Fidelity Tests (AFTs) or similar V&V testing.
• Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or similar analysis tools.
• Experience with Ada or other real-time/simulation languages.
• Knowledge of simulator fidelity, verification, validation, qualification, or acceptance processes.
• Experience with control loading, motion systems, or other simulator hardware/software interfaces.
• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) / SysML experience.
• Experience supporting military aircraft or Department of Defense programs.
• Pilot certificate or practical aviation/flight experience.

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Additional skills & abilities

• Strong understanding of aeronautical principles and their application to simulation.
• Ability to design, code, and test real-time simulation software and physics-based models.
• Comfortable working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams or independently as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to manage stakeholder expectations and multiple project priorities.
• Keen attention to detail to deliver operationally supportable solutions.

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Education

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related discipline required.
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Additional coursework in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or Controls is a plus.

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Employment requirements

• U.S. Citizenship Required: This role supports government/defense contracts; candidates must be U.S. citizens to meet contract and security requirements.
• Background check: Must pass pre-employment background screening.
• Security clearance: Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain an active Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance; eligibility for access to classified information will be evaluated.
• Work schedule flexibility: Occasional overtime or alternate shifts may be required to meet program needs.
• Travel: Domestic travel and occasional international travel to customer or partner sites may be required.
• Drug-free workplace: Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing in accordance with company policy.
• Employment contingent on successful completion of background checks, security clearance processes, and drug screening.

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Physical requirements

• Ability to work in small, confined spaces (simulator cockpits).
• Typical office/computer work interspersed with standing, walking, bending, carrying, and stair-climbing to access simulator areas.
• Must be able to travel by car and airplane as required.

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Work environment

Work is primarily performed in an office and simulator environment with variable noise and lighting. Tasks are project-driven and sometimes require working under tight deadlines. The role requires strong teamwork and communication with internal teams and external customers.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.