Airborne Instrumentation Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary Range: $70,310 - $95,400

The Data Processing & Avionics Test Specialist provides critical data processing, post-flight data reduction, real-time display support, and preliminary quality analysis for F/A-18 flight test operations. Working directly with test conductors, airborne instrumentation personnel, and software developers, this role ensures the rapid extraction, integrity, and delivery of flight-test telemetry and onboard recorded avionics data. Additionally, this roles secondary functions will be assisting the IT team as an IT Support technician. This is a 100% onsite position at China Lake, CA operating on a 9/80 flex work schedule; remote work is not available.

Primary Job Functions

Execute post-flight processing, extraction, formatting, and reduction of F/A-18 avionics data recorded during flight test events. Coordinate processing pipelines for new data configurations dictated by programmatic changes or airborne hardware upgrades.

Manage physical and digital data storage media -including routine media sanitization- in full compliance with DoD security guidelines, classification markings, and project handling procedures. Maintain operational logs tracking flight event IDs, data processing runs, and distribution histories.

Perform quality assurance checks to identify data dropouts, frame errors, time-sync issues, or hardware anomalies. Log processing and instrumentation issues, collaborating directly with instrumentation engineers and data reduction software teams to identify root causes.

Assist the airborne instrumentation team with pre-flight checkouts.

Generate, format, and deliver tailored data products to project engineers, test pilots, and flight test conductors per mission requirements.

Assist in evaluating ground data-processing capabilities to ensure full compatibility with evolving onboard recording architectures.

Secondary Job Functions

Help troubleshoot desktop computer systems, install software, and perform standard OS maintenance.

Assist with the deployment, setup, and cable management of local IT equipment, peripherals, and network devices.

Provide hands-on support to on-site personnel for general technical queries, account troubleshooting, and system access.

Assist in monitoring system health, running basic diagnostic tools, and ensuring IT systems align with security policies.

Required Skills

U.S. Citizenship is required due to the sensitivity of customer requirements.

High School Diploma or equivalent with 10+ years of relevant experience; OR Associate Degree with 4+ years of experience; OR Bachelor's Degree with 2+ years of experience; OR Master's Degree with 1+ year of experience. Preferred field of study in Computer Science, Data Analytics, Information Technology, Network Engineering, Systems Administration, or a closely related technical field.

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance throughout the duration of employment.

Must be able to work onsite at China Lake, CA under a 9/80 flex work schedule. This position is not remote work eligible.

Must be willing and able to travel up to 12 weeks per year to support detachment operations or off-site test events.

Must be capable of carrying up to 5 pounds routinely and lifting up to 50 pounds when transporting equipment, recording media, or test hardware.

Possess professionalism, courtesy, high moral character, and integrity.

DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II baseline certification (e.g., Security+).

Windows OS Certification or equivalent OS training credential.

Strong hands-on proficiency with Windows and Linux OS environments.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interface effectively with cross-functional teams (engineers, software developers, test conductors) in high-tempo environment.

Desired Skills

Ability to write and maintain custom scripts (Python, PowerShell, Batch, or MATLAB) to automate data extraction, formatting, and repetitive processing tasks.

Familiarity with military flight test data structures and telemetry standards (e.g., IRIG 106 Chapter 10/11, MIL-STD-1553 bus data, or PCM telemetry).

Experience conducting preliminary data analysis for quality assurance and instrumentation troubleshooting.