Flight Sciences Engineer / Flight Test Data Analyst SkyBridge Aviation is seeking an experienced Flight Sciences Engineer / Flight Test Data Analyst to support aircraft modification, certification, and flight test programs in Huntsville, Alabama. This position is focused on the processing, validation, analysis, and interpretation of flight test data used to support aircraft development, certification, performance evaluation, and systems verification. The Flight Sciences Engineer will work with flight test engineers, test pilots, instrumentation specialists, and design engineering teams to transform complex flight test data into meaningful aircraft performance information, mathematical models, engineering reports, and certification documentation. The ideal candidate will have direct experience with flight test data reduction, aircraft performance analysis, aerodynamic modeling, and engineering data analysis. Key responsibilities include processing, validating, reducing, and analyzing data collected during ground and flight testing; developing, reviewing, and supporting mathematical models used to determine aircraft performance and operational information; extracting and analyzing aerodynamic coefficients, thrust-drag models, stability derivatives, and other aircraft performance parameters from flight test data; applying statistical regression and engineering analysis techniques to correlate empirical flight test results with theoretical performance models; formatting and processing data collected from onboard flight data recorders and data acquisition systems; developing estimated aircraft performance data used to support initial flight testing; performing and reviewing aircraft performance and flight characteristics analyses; converting flight test results into performance and operational information for Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM) and Airplane Flight Manual Supplements (AFMS); supporting preparation of performance charts, aircraft limitations, and operational procedures; preparing and reviewing flight test reports, engineering analyses, and substantiation documentation supporting regulatory approval; supporting aircraft certification activities involving FAA Part 23/25, military, and customer requirements; working closely with flight test engineers, pilots, instrumentation specialists, and design engineering teams to ensure data quality and integrity; tracking engineering deliverables and supporting multiple aircraft programs and test activities simultaneously. Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a highly related STEM field, and 3–5 years of direct experience in one or more of the following: flight test data reduction and analysis, aircraft performance engineering, aerodynamic modeling. Strong knowledge of aircraft performance, flight characteristics, aircraft systems, flight test instrumentation, and engineering data analysis is required. Experience working with complex engineering datasets and converting test results into usable aircraft performance information is also required. Understanding of aircraft certification processes and FAA Part 23/25, military, or customer regulatory requirements is necessary. Strong analytical, mathematical, and technical problem-solving skills are required. Ability to manage priorities and engineering deliverables across multiple programs is also required. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required. Must be a U.S. citizen capable of obtaining and maintaining a Department of Defense Secret security clearance. Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class III Medical Certificate if required for flight test participation is required. Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to approximately 20% is required. Flexibility to work additional hours during active flight test periods is required. Preferred qualifications include a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a related discipline, experience developing flight test data reduction algorithms, proficiency with MATLAB, Python, VBA, or specialized aircraft performance software, experience working with FAA Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs), Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) units, or military airworthiness organizations, previous hands-on experience working as a Flight Test Engineer (FTE), and experience supporting aircraft modification and certification programs. This position is best suited for an engineer who understands what happens after flight test data is collected...someone who can take raw aircraft data, reduce and validate it, analyze aircraft performance, compare results against engineering models, and turn those findings into defensible engineering and certification documentation. Candidates with experience in flight sciences, aircraft performance, flight test data analysis, aerodynamic analysis, or flight test engineering are strongly encouraged to apply. SkyBridge Aviation specializes in connecting highly skilled aviation, aerospace, engineering, and defense professionals with complex programs throughout the United States and internationally. Our team supports commercial, government, and defense aviation programs requiring specialized technical talent across engineering, flight test, aircraft maintenance, modification, and mission-critical aerospace operations.
