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Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

The Staff Test Engineer will lead development, deployment, and continuous improvement of hardware ... Design and deploy production test systems (fixtures, instrumentation, automation) * Drive root ...

Senior Mechanical Test Engineer

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$100K - $133K/yr

... Mechanical Test Engineer to work onsite in Crossville, Tennessee to support the development and ... Select, implement, and troubleshoot instrumentation (e.g., strain gauges, load cells ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Jul 24, 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:
Infographic showing various Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,424 per year, or $58.9 per hour.

Hypersonics Test Operations Engineer

BNH

Arnold Air Force Base, TN โ€ข On-site

$89K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Overview
Job Title: Hypersonics Test Operations Engineer
Location: Arnold AFB, TN
Job Family Code: O-Engineering
Function/Branch: Engineering / Hypersonics
Directorate: Test Operations
Position Type: Regular, Full-Time
Pay Type: Exempt
Grade (provided by HR): L08 (OA0815)
Salary Range or Starting Hourly Rate: $89,000 - $130,000 / year
****Current U.S. Citizenship is required****
**If you are seeing this posting on a job board, BNH highly recommends you apply directly on the Careers Center page of our business website (https://careers-bnh.icims.com/jobs). Job board applications are not always compatible with company applicant tracking systems.**
Overview
Beyond New Horizons, LLC (BNH) has an exciting opportunity for a Test Operations Engineer, supporting the Test Operations and Sustainment contract at Arnold Engineering Development Complex at Arnold Air Force Base, TN. The Test Operations Engineer will be working as a member of an integrated team responsible for operating and maintaining ground test facilities in support of the United States Air Force Test Operations and Sustainment efforts.
Open to internal or external candidates. The selected candidate for this requisition must be available to work any shift to support test needs as mission requires.
Job Summary
We are looking for Mechanical Engineers who want to work in a multi-disciplinary team that plays a key role in supporting national defense. The engineers hired into this role act as the "quarterback" in one of the control rooms responsible for planning and execution of test plans for testing. This position does require shift work to support testing as test load demands.
Our Test Operations Engineers provide technical direction for safe and reliable operation of test equipment and integration of a customer's test article to an Arnold Engineering Development Complex test bed. This work involves practical application of engineering principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, hydraulics, pneumatics, and materials of construction. These principles are applied through the use of engineering tools including generating risk assessments, test plans, work instructions, and other engineering documentation in support of testing.
As part of a multi-disciplinary team, test operations engineers interface with other engineering teams across the complex including plant operations and systems, controls, instrumentation, design, facility data analysis, and modeling and simulation engineers as well as a cadre of skilled labor to ensure reliable operation and ability to meet future test needs.
Test Operations Engineers also provide system engineer capabilities as part of a team of mechanical and electrical engineers whose job it is to oversee installation, operation, sustainment, and troubleshooting of their assigned test cell equipment and systems. Some examples of test systems in various facilities include test carts, model positioning systems, thrust determination and force measurement systems, fuel systems, captive trajectory systems, various sensors, etc. that are needed to reliably provide test data to our customers.
Job Duties:
  • Work as Test Operations Engineer for operation of test bed systems
  • Work to develop the test operational requirements (test period directives, detailed run programs, etc.) ensuring test article mounts are structurally sound to withstand expected test
  • Direct test system checkouts and testing as required
  • Work with multidiscipline engineers, physicists, and skilled craft technicians in the test control room in operating the facility systems
  • Learn and understand systems, requires the ability to respond quickly to alarms/alerts in fast paced, high pressure situations, ensuring the safety of the test crew, the facility, and the test article
  • Respond when systems malfunction during a test, troubleshooting and directing corrective maintenance activities (or calling in the appropriate systems engineer for additional support)
  • Coordinate work with the appropriate area superintendent, craft supervisor, and / or work planner and provide technical leadership to the craft workforce in execution of work orders and operational / maintenance procedures (work instructions, WIs), Lock-Out / Tag-Out (LOTO), critical lifts, etc
  • Ensure proper test / operations reporting (Ops Center, test resumes, Operating Test Logs, Test Unit Status Logs, Test Article Activity Logs, unplanned event reporting, etc.)
  • Perform facility characterization/ calibrations, monitor facility performance, and maintain system capability / performance maps and envelopes
  • Test operations engineers also operate as system engineers for equipment within or directly providing support to the test bed facility and may engage in some small design and analysis tasks as needed
  • Work extra hours and/or support off shift testing as required
  • Communicate clearly and utilize various methods of communication
  • It is a condition of employment to wear company issued PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in accordance with supervisory direction and company policy
  • Perform other related duties as required

Basic Qualifications:
  • BS degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited college or university plus a minimum of 5 years' post degree engineering experience
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance and the AEDC local area network
  • Due to Air Force Security requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required for employment at AEDC

Preferred Qualifications
  • Practical application of technical knowledge of mechanical engineering systems, applications of engineering methods and construction methods and materials, and application of computer aided engineering (CAE)/computer aided design (CAD) tools to engineering problems
  • Multi-disciplinary knowledge or experience (electrical engineering, mechatronics, control systems, etc.) is a plus.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment with flexibility to accomplish mission objectives
  • Strong communication skills (including verbal and written)
  • Demonstrated experience successfully building relationships with team across engineering and craft workforce
  • Strong organizational skills to track and facilitate progress on projects
  • Demonstrated proactiveness and initiate to drive to results
  • Exhibits strong level of technical curiosity and desire to seek understanding
  • Participates in and fosters a work environment that is based upon openness, trust, communication, teamwork, empowerment, innovation, and satisfaction.
  • Active Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance

What We Offer
  • Competitive salaries
  • Continuing education assistance
  • Multiple healthcare benefits packages
  • 401K with employer matching
  • Paid time off (PTO) along with a federally recognized holiday schedule

Who We Are
Beyond New Horizons (BNH) is a fully populated joint venture of Astrion and Fluor Federal Services, Inc. formed to provide unmatched Test Operations and Sustainment services for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex. We chose our name to serve as an enduring reminder of our commitment to AEDC's rich aerospace research and development legacy anchored in AEDC's Toward New Horizons founding study and the unprecedented opportunities to greatly expand AEDC's capabilities and capacity Beyond those existing today. Leveraging the capabilities of our parent companies, BNH specializes in testing and evaluation for military and space systems combined with proven capability in large-scale Government program management, integration, engineering, and construction services for specialized and technically advanced high-hazard facilities.
Join our Team!
BNH is an Equal Employment Opportunity. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.