Flight Test Director

SAIC; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Flight Test Director in Huntsville to lead hypersonic flight test operations, coordinating across MET members and external agencies to execute multi-phase campaigns.

The role requires DoD flight test planning, strong leadership, and DAU certifications, with a focus on risk management and on-site execution across demanding schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in an Engineering Discipline and nine (9) years of experience or Masters and seven (7) years of experience.
• DAU Certifications: Practitioner Level Certification in Test & Evaluation; Level II - Test & Evaluation; Level I - Systems Engineering.
• Interim Secret clearance required with ability to obtain TS/SCI.
• Experience in flight test planning, management, and execution within the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Demonstrated experience as a Mission Test Director or equivalent with multi-phase campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for hypersonic flight test operations with MET and external stakeholders.
• Lead planning, coordination, and execution of complex hypersonic test campaigns, including risk analysis and contingency planning.
• Prepare and execute mission-critical documentation such as checklists, test constraints documents, and test plans.
• Direct cross-functional teams on-site during test execution at test facilities.
• Develop strategies for robust system integration of distributed assets.
• Chair working groups, conduct readiness briefings, and oversee console training.
• Adjudicate on-site test observations and ensure data supports robust evaluation.
• Mentor and train junior test engineers and technical personnel.

Skills

Flight test operations

Team leadership

Mission execution

DoD experience

Risk mitigation

Stakeholder collaboration

Problem solving under pressure

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Master's in Engineering

DAU Certifications in Test & Evaluation

DAU Level II - Test & Evaluation

DAU Level I - Systems Engineering

Job description

Job ID 2616942

Location Huntsville, AL, US

Date Posted 2026-09-21

Category Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory Test Engineer

Schedule Full-Time

Shift Day Job

Travel Yes - 50% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required Interim_Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain TS/SCI

Potential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITE

SAIC is seeking highly experienced Flight Test Director to support the NSWC Crane Multi-Service Advanced Capabilities Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) Test Execution Team. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in executing hypersonic flight test missions, overseeing mission planning and execution, and directing multi-disciplinary teams to accomplish high-stakes objectives in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will leverage their extensive experience in flight test operations, team leadership, and mission execution within the defense industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight as for hypersonic flight test operations, ensuring preparedness and effective collaboration among Mission Execution Team (MET) members, including stakeholders such as NSWC Crane, combatant commands, DOT&E, and other external agencies.
• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex, multi-phase hypersonic test campaigns, including action item management, resource allocation, risk analysis, and contingency planning.
• Prepare and execute mission-critical documentation, including Checklists, Test Constraints Documents, Launch Decision Briefings, Communications Matrices, and Test Plans, to support mission walk-up activities.
• Direct cross-functional teams on-site during test execution at various test facilities, ensuring successful completion of planned objectives even under compressed timelines and challenging circumstances.
• Develop strategies for robust system integration, ensuring distributed assets are synchronized and meet system performance benchmarks.
• Chair working group sessions, support on console training, and conduct readiness briefings to prepare test personnel.
• Adjudicate on-site test observations, mitigating risks, and ensuring data collection supports robust system evaluation and operational readiness assessments.
• Mentor and train junior test engineers, technical personnel, and early-career professionals, fostering knowledge transfer and skill-building through direct guidance and oversight.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelors in an Engineering Discipline and nine (9) years of experience or Masters and seven (7) years of experience.
• Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Certifications
  • Practitioner Level Certification in Test & Evaluation
  • Level II - Test & Evaluation
  • Level I - Systems Engineering
• Interim Secret clearance required with ability to obtain TS/SCI.
• Experience in flight test planning, management, and execution within the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Demonstrated experience as a Mission Test Director or equivalent with a proven record of success in overseeing and directing test missions, including multi-phase campaigns with distributed assets.
• Expertise in authoring mission-critical documents such as execution checklists, test constraints, and risk mitigation plans.
• Skilled in leading cross-functional teams and collaboration with key stakeholders, including government organizations, combatant commands, and external agencies.
• Recognized ability to solve complex problems autonomously while maintaining composure under high-pressure scenarios.
• Strong understanding of hypersonic systems, missile defense, and related test architectures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), particularly as part of the Flight Test Directorate.
• Knowledge of hypersonic test beds, including MACH-TB systems or equivalent advanced defense platforms.
• Familiarity with Wallops, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) and other test sites.
• Hands-on experience with integrating and evaluating high-risk defense systems, including large-scale multi-stakeholder test campaigns.