Opto-Knowledge Systems is seeking an experienced Aerodynamicist & Flight Mechanics Engineer IV to lead aerodynamic analysis and flight mechanics modeling for the LCI program — a two-stage all-solid interceptor in active development. This role carries full technical ownership of the aero database, from coefficient generation through 6-DOF integration, and is central to validating defended-radius performance against a realistic threat set.

Working within a focused, cross-functional engineering team, you will size control surfaces, characterize stability margins across the full flight envelope, and run trajectory parametrics against SRBM, MRBM, IRBM, HGV, and SCM threats. Your analysis directly informs vehicle design decisions and feeds the engagement simulations used to demonstrate program performance. This is a high-visibility technical role with meaningful scope and direct impact on program outcomes at every major milestone.

What You'll Do

• Build and own the LCI aero coefficient database (CL, CD, CM, CN) across the full Mach/AoA envelope using Missile DATCOM, PRODAS, and/or CFD, and deliver flight-ready tables directly to GN&C and M&S
• Size fins and canards for mid-course and terminal control — hinge moments, actuator loads, flutter margins — at a pace that keeps the hardware team moving
• Run flyout parametrics across the full threat matrix and turn aero drag uncertainty into clear, defensible defended-radius predictions
• Verify static and dynamic stability margins at every flight phase and hand stability derivatives to GN&C for autopilot gain scheduling without handoff delays
• Model fairing jettison and stage-separation dynamics to lock in clean separation and safe payload exposure
• Feed drag and atmospheric inputs into the 3-DOF trajectory simulation driving mission analysis and ?v closure
• Validate the aero database against test data and deliver 6-DOF-compatible tables into the SECRET Monte Carlo simulation environment
• Author the aero sections of SRR, PDR, and CDR packages — analysis that's ready to defend when the government walks in the room

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering (Master's preferred) with focus in aerodynamics, flight mechanics, or gas dynamics
• 9–12 years hands-on experience in missile or launch vehicle aerodynamics, including aero database development on operational or developmental programs
• Deep fluency in supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamics — wave drag, base drag, fin-body interference — for slender interceptor geometries
• Proficiency with Missile DATCOM, PRODAS, or equivalent semi-empirical tools, plus at least one CFD environment (OpenFOAM, Fluent, or government code)
• Experience building 6-DOF-compatible aero databases and integrating them with flight simulation frameworks
• Solid grasp of dynamic stability derivatives and how they drive autopilot design
• Strong MATLAB or Python skills for aero post-processing and sensitivity studies

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering
• Familiarity with MIL-HDBK-762 and USAF Stability & Control DATCOM
• Experience with staging, fairing jettison, and lateral force analysis on multi-stage vehicles
• Track record delivering aero packages at DoD acquisition reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR)
• TS/SCI eligibility

Pay and Benefits

• Salary range: $130,373 - $176,387
• Medical, dental, and vision employee coverage fully paid by the employer
• Three weeks of vacation to start
• Automatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages, no matching required
• Educational assistance and professional development opportunities
  

To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. person as defined by law. A U.S. person includes a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C.

1324b(a)(3), or an individual otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorization from the U.S. Department of State.

We are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process.

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