Responsibilities

• Flight Mechanics Analysis:
• Conduct flight performance analyses, including stability and control, maneuverability, aerodynamic loads, and dynamic behavior of advanced air platforms.
• Develop and evaluate aerodynamic models for use in flight mechanics studies, focusing on air performance optimization across all mission profiles.
• Simulation and Modeling Support:
• Perform dynamic simulations using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink or other industry software to evaluate flight mechanics under varying conditions.
• Develop mathematical or computational models of aircraft systems to predict performance, response, and operational capability.
• System Integration and Optimization:
• Collaborate with systems engineers and avionics teams to integrate flight mechanics solutions with sensors, flight controls, and propulsion systems.
• Analyze and assess interdependencies between aerodynamic systems and broader subsystems to optimize overall performance.
• Testing and Validation:
• Design, execute, and analyze flight test procedures to validate models and ensure real-world performance aligns with predictions.
• Provide support for wind tunnel tests, prototype evaluations, and simulation-based validations.
• Documentation and Reporting:
• Prepare technical reports, flight mechanics specifications, and performance summaries for program stakeholders.
• Interface with program managers, engineers, and customers to communicate flight mechanics results and provide recommendations for system improvements.
• Compliance and Standards:
• Ensure flight mechanics designs and analyses comply with program directives and DoD standards, including MIL-STD specifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in flight mechanics, aerodynamics, stability and control, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in flight mechanics modeling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or similar platforms.
• Strong knowledge of aerodynamic principles, including lift, drag, thrust, and vehicle stability and control.
• Familiarity with testing environments like wind tunnel facilities, flight simulators, or prototype validation.
• Experience working with advanced air platforms such as UAVs, military aircraft, or high-performance aerospace systems.
• Must possess an active Top Secret clearance with eligibility for SCI.

• 12+ years of experience in flight mechanics, aerodynamics, stability and control, or a related discipline.
• Certifications validating expertise and technical skills in flight mechanics:
• CSRP (Certified Systems Research Professional) – For systems modeling and simulation proficiency.
• FEA Certification (Finite Element Analysis) – For aerodynamic load analysis and stress modeling.
• INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP): Demonstrates expertise in systems engineering for flight mechanics integration.
• Lean Six Sigma Certification: To optimize workflows and flight analysis processes.
• CompTIA Security+ or CISSP: Useful for modeling systems integrated with secure DoD environments.
• Familiarity with airworthiness certification standards (e.g., MIL-HDBK-516C).
• Experience with modern flight control systems and avionics integration.
• Knowledge of advanced propulsion systems and their impact on flight mechanics.