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Airborne Instrumentation Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Belcan

Test Engineer, BMS Hardware

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$60 - $75.18/hr

Test Engineer, BMS Hardware Pay $ 60-75.18 hr (DOE) Location: On-site, Berkeley, CA Contract- 3 ... Define and document test configurations, including instrumentation, test equipment, and setup ...

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Airborne Instrumentation Test Engineer information

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$12.5K

$104.9K

$164K

How much do airborne instrumentation test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for airborne instrumentation test engineer in the United States is $104,896.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an airborne instrumentation test engineer?

Airborne Instrumentation Test Engineers are professionals who design, install, and maintain instrumentation systems used to collect data during flight tests on aircraft. They work with a variety of sensors, data acquisition systems, and telemetry equipment to ensure accurate measurement and recording of critical flight parameters. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting instrumentation issues, analyzing test data, and collaborating with other engineers and flight crews to support safe and effective test operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airborne instrumentation test engineer?

To thrive as an Airborne Instrumentation Test Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or aerospace engineering, instrumentation, and data acquisition, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with telemetry systems, data loggers, test software (such as LabVIEW or MATLAB), and familiarity with flight test instrumentation standards is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring accurate test results. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the reliability, safety, and performance of airborne systems during rigorous testing phases.

What are some typical challenges faced by airborne instrumentation test engineers during flight test campaigns?

Airborne Instrumentation Test Engineers often face challenges such as ensuring accurate data acquisition in dynamic and high-vibration environments, troubleshooting instrumentation failures under tight time constraints, and maintaining clear communication with flight crews and engineering teams. Balancing the need for rapid problem-solving with strict safety protocols is essential. Additionally, adapting to changing test parameters or last-minute mission updates requires flexibility and strong organizational skills.

What are popular job titles related to Airborne Instrumentation Test Engineer jobs?

For Airborne Instrumentation Test Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Electronics Technician (NJ-0856-04)

Edwards, CA • On-site

Air Force Test Center
See more jobs at Air Force Test Centerexternal

$104K - $161K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Maintain the instrumentation configurations of assigned test aircraft and execute technical work safely within a flight-line environment.

  • Analyze and evaluate ground and airborne test data to determine instrumentation system health and troubleshoot hardware and software issues.

  • Develop T-2 modification packages to document hardware and software changes and provide project management oversight and technical leadership.

Job description

These listed job announcements are covered by Direct Hire Authorities (DHA), which are separate from the traditional recruitment job announcements found on USA Jobs.

NO 6-MONTH WAIT! Recently retired and/or retiring from MILITARY service ARE eligible for immediate appointment for AFTC positions. The 180-day waiting period has been waived for AFTC to hire recently retired and/or retiring service members.

The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Electronics Technician (NJ-0856-04) to work at the 412th Test Wing, 412th Test Engineering Group, 812th Aircraft Instrumentation Test Squadron, Operations D/F-16 Flight and Engineering Support Flight (812 AITS/ENID/ENIE) at Edwards Air Force Base, CA.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide electronics technical support for designing, developing, acquiring, installing, operating, and maintaining instrumentation systems used for data acquisition and telemetry in aerospace weapon system test and evaluation programs. Additionally, the incumbent is considered to be an expert in the field of airborne instrumentation systems and often acts as a project manager for the development of temporary (T-2) modifications.

Announcement Closes: 09/10/2026.

Typical 2026 salary range: $104,349 - $161,313 per year (includes locality)

Travel Requirements: Up to 25% travel possible

Areas of Consideration (AOC): Department – wide (DoD)

Desired Skills:
  • 5 or more years of electronics troubleshooting and repair desired.
  • 5 or more years of flight test experience desired.
  • 2 or more years of T-2 Modification experience desired.
Major Duties:
  • Maintain the instrumentation configurations of assigned test aircraft (including F-16, T-38, and C-12 platforms) and execute technical work safely within a flight-line environment while enforcing strict Foreign Object Damage (FOD) controls.
  • Analyze and evaluate ground and airborne test data to determine instrumentation system health; direct troubleshooting, removal, re-installation, and replacement of unsatisfactory hardware and software.
  • Evaluate and approve instrument calibrations to ensure that the linearity, hysteresis and repeatability specifications are maintained.
  • Develop T-2 modification packages to document minor hardware and software changes, ensuring alignment with evolving program requirements.
  • Provide project management oversight, technical leadership, and mentoring.
  • Coordinate collaborative efforts with engineering, maintenance, and operations organizations, while ensuring the strict implementation of all technical, safety, airworthiness, and security policies.
Qualifications/Requirements:
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest
  • Obtain & maintain Security clearance
  • This is a designated Drug Testing Position
  • Knowledge of electronics concepts and practices as applied to airborne instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
  • Knowledge of flight test data acquisition, processing and analysis, including knowledge of methods and equipment (types of transducers, signal conditioning, coding, transmission) used to remotely sense and measure physical phenomena and digital data buses on aircraft.
  • Knowledge of design, integration, validation, and operational support of airborne instrumentation systems.
  • Knowledge of planning, coordinating, cost estimating, preparing equipment specifications and tracking of schedule for airborne data systems.

ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE HAF/AFMC/AFTC STRATEGIC HIRING GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED

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