Flight Test Engineer (PL)

Canvas; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Canvas is seeking a Flight Test Engineer based in Huntsville, Alabama to lead critical flight test programs for hypersonic systems. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in test planning, safety compliance, and data analysis, acting as the Lead Developmental Test Organization representative during missions.

The role includes authoring detailed reports and presenting findings to senior leadership while mentoring junior engineers. An engineering degree and related experience are required for this position.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in flight testing or aerospace systems.
• Proven track record in test planning and execution.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Draft and finalize flight test plans and safety documentation.
• Act as LDTO representative during flight tests.
• Perform post-flight analysis to verify system performance.
• Author technical test reports and present briefings.

Skills

Test Planning & Design

Safety & Compliance

Mission Execution

Data Analysis

Reporting & Briefings

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Title: Flight Test Engineer

Location: Arnold AFB - Tullahoma, TH

The Flight Test Engineer provides critical systems engineering, test planning, and operational execution support to the 715 TS IDT Flight. Acting as the Lead Developmental Test Organization (LDTO) on behalf of the Air Force Test Center (AFTC), this role is responsible for the safe and effective execution of hypersonic flight test programs. The position spans junior to senior experience levels, requiring progressive responsibility in test design, range coordination, safety documentation, and post-flight data analysis.

The primary functions of this role are categorized below. Personnel at senior levels are expected to perform these duties with high autonomy and lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Test Planning & Design: Draft, review, and finalize detailed flight test plans, Verification Cross Reference Matrices (VCRM), and Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP) for hypersonic test assets.
• Safety & Compliance: Generate, review, and complete all required safety documentation, including formal hazard analyses, risk assessments, and Go/No-Go checklists prior to test executions.
• Mission Execution: Act as a key LDTO representative during active flight tests. Coordinate with range control, program offices, and control room personnel to ensure adherence to test profiles and safety parameters.
• Data Analysis: Perform post-flight analysis of telemetry and flight data to verify system performance against established requirements and aerodynamic models.
• Reporting & Briefings: Author comprehensive technical test reports, engineering memos, and deficiency reports. Present test readiness briefings to senior government and military leadership.
• Mentorship (Senior Levels): Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior engineering staff, ensuring the transfer of institutional knowledge regarding range operations and flight test protocols.