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Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Texas

Skyways

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Austin, TX

The Opportunity As a Senior Flight Test Engineer, you'll own the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests that validate our aircraft's performance, safety, and reliability. You'll define ...

Apply Early

SpaceX

Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Test)

Mcgregor, TX

... flight conditions. Our engineers specialize in the design and execution of unique development tests ... Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation. DAQ ...

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Operator

Fort Stockton, TX · On-site

$74K - $99K/yr

Work with Test Engineers on a variety of operational tasks that enable engineering, such as flight execution, material prep, or supporting test profiles by participating in our demonstrations ...

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All JobsFlight Test Instrumentation Engineer JobsFlight Test Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Texas

Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$40.5K

$125.7K

$190.1K

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

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test instrumentation engineer in Texas is $125,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,300.00 and $149,100.00 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 Texas? For Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Texas are:
Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs near you
Senior Flight Test Engineer

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Skyways

Austin, TX

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Skyways designs, builds, and operates fully autonomous long-range cargo aircraft. Founded in 2017, the company has spent the last eight years developing and deploying autonomous logistics systems for real-world operations.

Our V2 aircraft carries 30 lbs up to 500 miles, while our next-generation V3 carries 100 lbs over 1,000+ miles with 20+ hours of endurance. Both use a hybrid-electric architecture that takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a plane, enabling long-range autonomous delivery without traditional runway infrastructure.

Today, Skyways aircraft operate across three continents in controlled national airspace under FAA oversight and in support of U.S. military operations. We are transitioning from prototype development to full-rate production and scaling toward large autonomous cargo fleets.

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas.

The Opportunity

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer, you’ll own the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests that validate our aircraft’s performance, safety, and reliability. You’ll define test objectives, design methodologies, and work hands-on with aircraft and data systems to turn real-world results into engineering decisions.

This is a high-impact role that bridges engineering and operations. You’ll work closely with Systems, Software, GNC, and Flight Operations to scope test plans, coordinate execution, and interpret results — ensuring every test drives meaningful progress toward product readiness and certification.

What You’ll Do:
  • Own flight test and validation strategy tied to aircraft certification

  • Translate requirements into test plans, procedures, and pass/fail criteria

  • Build and maintain traceability from requirements to test results

  • Mentor junior flight test engineers and set the standard for test rigor, safety, and data-driven decision-making across the team

  • Plan and execute flight tests with clear objectives tied to system validation

  • Determine what is tested in simulation, ground, and flight to maximize learning and efficiency

  • Analyze flight data and drive clear outcomes back to engineering teams

  • Partner with GNC, software, hardware, and systems to close issues and re-test

  • Generate test reports and artifacts required for certification and external stakeholders

  • Lead flight readiness reviews and call out when systems are not ready

What You’ll Bring:

  • 5+ years in flight test on UAVs, aircraft, or similar complex systems, including ownership of test strategy and execution

  • Direct involvement in qualification, certification, or formal validation efforts

  • Strong systems understanding across hardware, software, and controls

  • Ability to design test strategies, not just execute predefined plans

  • Experience working in field environments and running live test operations

  • Comfortable making real-time decisions during test and pushing back when needed

Bonus Points If You Have:

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

  • Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or custom flight stacks.

  • Experience with FAA, DoD, or other certification / qualification processes

  • Background in GNC, systems engineering, or flight sciences

  • Experience with autonomous systems and validation of autonomy behaviors

  • Experience building test infrastructure (HIL, SIL, ground test setups)

  • Has taken a vehicle or system from prototype through qualification

Want to join our mission? Apply to learn more!

Due to U.S. government contract requirements, this role is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or candidates from specific countries authorized under applicable export control regulations.

Skyways is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.