Flight Test Director

SAIC • Huntsville, AL

6h • Onsite

About The Position

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

The Flight Test Director leads hypersonic flight test operations and complex, multiphase test campaigns; prepares and executes mission-critical documentation; and directs cross-functional teams on-site at test facilities. The position also supports system integration, test readiness, risk mitigation, data collection, and the mentoring and training of junior personnel.

The position is full-time and on-site in Huntsville, Alabama. Travel is required approximately 25% of the time. An interim Secret clearance is required, with the ability to obtain TS/SCI.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline and 9 years of experience, or a master’s degree and 7 years of experience.
• Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Practitioner Level Certification in Test & Evaluation.
• DAU Level II certification in Test & Evaluation.
• DAU Level I certification in Systems Engineering.
• Interim Secret clearance, with the ability to obtain TS/SCI.
• Experience planning, managing, and executing flight tests within the Department of Defense.
• Demonstrated experience as a Mission Test Director or equivalent, directing test missions and multiphase campaigns with distributed assets.
• Expertise authoring mission-critical documents such as execution checklists, test constraints, and risk-mitigation plans.
• Skill leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with government organizations, combatant commands, and external agencies.
• Ability to solve complex problems autonomously and maintain composure in high-pressure scenarios.
• Strong understanding of hypersonic systems, missile defense, and related test architectures.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), particularly its 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 integrating and evaluating high-risk defense systems, including large-scale, multistakeholder test campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for hypersonic flight test operations, ensuring preparedness and collaboration among Mission Execution Team members and stakeholders, including NSWC Crane, combatant commands, DOT&E, and external agencies.
• Lead planning, coordination, and execution of complex, multiphase 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 planned objectives are completed under compressed timelines and challenging circumstances.
• Develop strategies for robust system integration, synchronizing distributed assets and ensuring they 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, mitigate risks, and ensure data collection supports system evaluation and operational-readiness assessments.
• Mentor and train junior test engineers, technical personnel, and early-career professionals through direct guidance and oversight.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior