Flight Test Engineer (PL)

Canvas; Edwards (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Canvas in California is seeking a Flight Test Engineer responsible for executing hypersonic flight test programs. The role requires drafting flight test plans, ensuring safety compliance, and performing data analysis to validate system performance.

Ideal candidates will provide technical leadership to junior engineers and effectively communicate with military leadership. Applicants should hold a degree in engineering and have experience in flight test execution.

Qualifications

• Experience in hypersonic flight test programs.
• Strong understanding of safety and compliance standards.
• Ability to analyze telemetry and flight data.

Responsibilities

• Draft and finalize detailed flight test plans.
• Generate required safety documentation.
• Act as a key representative during flight tests.
• Perform post-flight data analysis.
• Author comprehensive technical test reports.

Skills

Test planning

Data analysis

Safety documentation

Flight test execution

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Job description

Job Title: Flight Test Engineer
Location: Arnold AFB - Tullahoma, TH

This is a pipeline requisition intended to identify and engage qualified candidates for anticipated future openings. Submission of an application does not guarantee an interview or offer of employment. Opportunities are subject to business needs, contract requirements, funding, and customer approval.

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.

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.