Flight Test Engineer (PL)

Canvas; Tullahoma (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Canvas is seeking a Flight Test Engineer for their Tullahoma, Tennessee location. The role involves critical systems engineering and operational support, focusing on hypersonic flight tests. The successful candidate will draft detailed flight test plans, ensure safety compliance, and analyze post-flight data.

The position requires progressive responsibility from junior to senior experience and offers leadership opportunities in guiding junior staff. Strong analytical skills and experience in safety documentation are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Experience in test design and execution for aerospace systems.
• Strong knowledge of safety and compliance regulations.
• Ability to analyze flight data and write technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Draft and finalize flight test plans and safety documentation.
• Act as LDTO representative during flight tests.
• Perform post-flight analysis and author technical reports.

Skills

Test Planning

Safety Documentation

Data Analysis

Cross-Functional Team Leadership

Risk Assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

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.