ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Teledyne

Production Test Technician

Oak Ridge, TN

$21 - $28.75/hr

Conduct flight tests to assess performance, safety, and reliability. * Analyze flight data to ... Complete production/quality related documentation. * Assist Engineering with the building and ...

Teledyne FLIR LLC

Production Test Technician

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Conduct flight tests to assess performance, safety, and reliability. * Analyze flight data to ... Complete production/quality related documentation. * Assist Engineering with the building and ...

ORAU

Sr. Instrumentation Electronics Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$93K - $115K/yr

As a Sr. Instrumentation Electronics Engineer at Centrus Energy, you'll build the nervous system of ... Embedded software development and/or test experience * Currently possesses a "Q" or "L" clearance ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFlight Test Instrumentation Engineer JobsFlight Test Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$39.5K

$122.4K

$185.2K

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

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test instrumentation engineer in Tennessee is $122,424.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,800.00 and $145,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectFlight Test Instrumentation EngineerFlight Test Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning, installing, and maintaining instrumentation systems for flight testingPlanning, executing, and analyzing flight test programs
Required SkillsInstrumentation systems, data acquisition, troubleshootingTest planning, flight operations, data analysis
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, aircraft, test rangesFlight test aircraft, test facilities
CertificationsOften requires engineering degrees, instrumentation certificationsEngineering degrees, pilot licenses sometimes preferred

While both roles support flight testing, the Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer specializes in instrumentation systems and data collection, whereas the Flight Test Engineer oversees the overall test process and flight operations. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or aerospace engineering, data acquisition, and instrumentation, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with data acquisition systems (such as National Instruments or Dewesoft), sensor calibration, and industry safety standards is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork set standout professionals apart in this field. These abilities ensure accurate data collection, reliable test outcomes, and safe, efficient flight test operations.

What does a Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer do?

A Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer is responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining the measurement systems used during aircraft testing. They ensure that sensors and data acquisition systems accurately capture necessary data, such as temperature, pressure, speed, and structural loads, during flight tests. Their work is critical for validating aircraft performance and safety, as well as for troubleshooting and improving designs. These engineers collaborate closely with flight test teams, data analysts, and aerospace engineers throughout the testing process.

How does a Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer typically collaborate with other teams during a test campaign?

Flight Test Instrumentation Engineers work closely with flight test engineers, pilots, data analysts, and aircraft maintenance teams throughout a test campaign. They are responsible for ensuring that data acquisition systems are correctly installed, calibrated, and operating as required, and they often participate in pre-flight briefings, real-time test monitoring, and post-flight data reviews. Effective communication and collaboration are crucial, as the role requires translating test requirements into practical instrumentation solutions while addressing any technical challenges that arise during testing. This teamwork ensures that high-quality, reliable data is collected to support aircraft certification and development.
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 4% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,424 per year, or $58.9 per hour.

Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer

Napakiak Ventures

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Overview
We're seeking a I&C Engineer to lead major process controls engineering projects spanning digital control systems (PLC/DCS/HMI), complex test stands, and chemical processes. You will take problems from issue to solution, setting expectations for data-driven decision making, automation, and the responsible use of AI/agentic AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective, compliant designs. This role blends hands-on engineering (design, fabrication, assembly, programming, testing) with technical leadership, client engagement, and rigorous software configuration management.Key Responsibilities
Digital Systems & Controls Engineering
Engineer and integrate PLC, DCS, HMI, network switches, and control systems; lead programming and commissioning for Allen-Bradley platforms (ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk).
Implement robust controls architectures, safety interlocks, alarming, data logging, recipe management, and historian integrations for test and process systems.Instrumentation Specification & Systems Design
Develop Functional Requirements and Procurement Specifications for instrumentation and control components and systems.
Prepare design input documentation for drawings including cable block diagrams, wiring schematics, loop sheets, and detailed I/O maps.
Help in creating and maintaining P&IDs and System Design Descriptions (SDDs).Vendor Coordination & Technical Documentation
Interface with vendors; prepare and review equipment purchase specifications.
Produce clear, concise technical reports and engineering studies.Configuration Management & Quality
Establish and enforce software configuration management (SCM) for PLC/HMI code, scripts, and documentation.
Review design drawings and documentation produced by others.Leadership in Automation & AI/ML
Direct process-improvement initiatives: automate calculations, summarize technical documents, generate design documentation, and guide when/how AI or agentic AI tools are used.
Oversee engineering automation via Python, MATLAB, or advanced Excel; review and validate automated outputs.
Champion responsible integration of AI/ML into controls systems, including predictive maintenance and anomaly detection.Mentorship & Collaboration
Mentor less experienced I&C engineers and support multidisciplinary engineering teams.Minimum Qualifications
B.S. or M.S. in Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
5+ years of experience in design engineering for process control systems.
Hands on expertise with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs and FactoryTalk systems.
Experience designing, fabricating, assembling, programming, and testing test stands and chemical process systems.
Strong SCM proficiency including Git, versioning, and code reviews.
Excellent communication skills and experience reviewing design drawings.
Active DOE Q Clearance or eligibility to obtain.Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in a related engineering field.
Experience with PlantPAx, FactoryTalk Analytics, OPC UA, historians, and industrial networking.
Familiarity with SIS, PHA, ISA standards, and NFPA/NEC codes.
Experience integrating AI/ML into industrial systems.
Additional learning such as CS, AI, or Software Engineering certificates or minors.

Apply