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Flight Test Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Flight Test Director

Huntsville, AL

ORA_ON_SITE Description 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 ...

SAIC

Flight Test Director

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Description 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 ...

General Atomics

Flight Test Engineer

Palmdale, CA · On-site

Perform the duties of Test Director for a multi-disciplinary test team when required. * Represents Flight Operations in a technical advisor capacity as needs dictate. * Maintains the strict ...

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Director

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

... Flight). * Manage project test leads and lead test engineers executing test programs for all Group ... Experience planning and directing test events with go/no-go decision authority in developmental ...

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Director

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$220K - $292K/yr

Experience planning and directing test events with go/no-go decision authority in developmental ... Flight), and systems engineering processes. * Ability to leverage operational experience and ...

Garmin Ltd.

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Salem, OR · On-site

In addition, this role may act as Test Director or Flight Test Lead for complex projects. Essential Functions * Drafts ground and flight test plans and reports for complex test programs including ...

Boeing

Flight Test Lead

Berkeley, MO · On-site

Experience supporting a military flight test program * 50+ missions as a Test Conductor/Test Director in a control room * Willing and able to travel up to 25% of the time both domestically and ...

Boeing

Flight Test Lead

Berkeley, MO · On-site

Experience supporting a military flight test program * 50+ missions as a Test Conductor/Test Director in a control room * Willing and able to travel up to 25% of the time both domestically and ...

Boeing

Flight Test Lead

Berkeley, MO

Experience supporting a military flight test program * 50+ missions as a Test Conductor/Test Director in a control room * Willing and able to travel up to 25% of the time both domestically and ...

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How much do flight test director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test director in the United States is $114,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight test director?

Flight Test Directors are professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing flight test operations for aircraft or aerospace systems. They work with engineers, pilots, and other specialists to develop test plans, ensure safety protocols are followed, and analyze test data. Their role is crucial in validating the performance, safety, and compliance of new or modified aircraft before they enter service. Flight Test Directors also manage schedules, resources, and communication between teams to ensure successful test missions.

How does a flight test director typically collaborate with engineering and flight crews during a test campaign?

A Flight Test Director plays a pivotal role in coordinating between engineering teams, flight crews, and ground support staff to ensure smooth execution of flight test campaigns. They lead pre-flight briefings, set clear objectives, and facilitate effective communication among all parties to promptly address technical or safety concerns. During testing, they monitor real-time data, make critical go/no-go decisions, and adjust test plans as needed to adapt to evolving conditions. This collaborative approach ensures safety, efficiency, and accurate data collection throughout the flight test process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight test director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Test Director, you need in-depth knowledge of aeronautical engineering, test planning, and flight safety, usually backed by an engineering degree and extensive flight test experience. Familiarity with flight data acquisition systems, telemetry tools, and relevant certifications like FAA DER or EASA approval is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are essential for coordinating multidisciplinary teams and ensuring test objectives are met safely. These skills and qualities are crucial for managing complex flight test programs while maintaining safety, regulatory compliance, and technical performance.

What is the difference between Flight Test Director vs Flight Test Engineer?

AspectFlight Test DirectorFlight Test Engineer
CredentialsOften requires pilot certifications, engineering degrees, and test experienceTypically holds engineering degrees, specialized in aerospace or aeronautical engineering
Work EnvironmentLeads test flights, coordinates teams, and makes real-time decisions during flight testsDesigns test plans, analyzes data, and supports flight testing from ground operations
Industry UsageUsed in aerospace testing programs, especially in aircraft and spacecraft developmentCommonly employed in aerospace companies for test planning and data analysis

The Flight Test Director focuses on overseeing and executing flight tests, making critical decisions during flights, while the Flight Test Engineer primarily designs tests and analyzes data. Both roles are essential in aerospace testing but differ in responsibilities and focus areas.

What cities are hiring for Flight Test Director jobs?

Cities with the most Flight Test Director job openings:

What states have the most Flight Test Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Flight Test Director jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Director jobs?

For Flight Test Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Flight Test Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,999 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Flight Test Director

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Science Applications International Corporation
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Science Applications International Corporationexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 226 rated it services

Job description

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.
SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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.

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