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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Flight Test Director - **Company:** Science Applications International Corporation - **Location:** Huntsville, AL, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $131,300.0 - $237,350.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, System Testing, Systems Integration, Test Execution Engine - **Published:** September 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerjet.com/job/usfc523ef7ee88df81a99940c35842704f/eaa ## About the Role * 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., * 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. ## 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., * 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. ## Related Videos - [SMART Test Automation - the experience of legacy transformation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100215-smart-test-automation-the-experience-of-legacy-transformation) - [How To Test A Ball of Mud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/173-how-to-test-a-ball-of-mud) - [Model Based Systems Engineering in an Agile Product Development Process](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/68-model-based-systems-engineering-in-an-agile-product-development-process) - [AI Agents & Agentic AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2017-ai-agents-agentic-ai) - [Successful talent development: A joint journey of executives and talents](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1002-successful-talent-development-a-joint-journey-of-executives-and-talents) - [How I Built QA from Scratch in a Scaling Startup - no fluff real life story](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2041-how-i-built-qa-from-scratch-in-a-scaling-startup-no-fluff-real-life-story) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [What is a Test Plan: Guide to Test Planning](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/191-what-is-a-test-plan-guide-to-test-planning) - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [From developer to manager – what does it take to become an engineering manager?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/42-from-developer-to-manager-what-does-it-take-to-become-an-engineering-manager) - [Should senior developers refuse interview coding challenges?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/29-should-senior-developers-refuse-interview-coding-challenges) - [How to create a test plan for software testing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/56-how-to-create-a-test-plan-for-software-testing)