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Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Texas

The Opportunity This role owns how aircraft systems are validated before flight. You will develop ... Design and build test fixtures, instrumentation setups, and data acquisition systems > * Support ...

System Design Engineer

Fort Worth, TX ยท On-site

$95K - $131K/yr

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is seeking an experienced Flight Test Instrumentation System Design Engineer supporting the F-35 program. You will architect and develop instrumentation systems to be ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Conduct factory acceptance tests (FAT) and site acceptance tests (SAT) for control systems ... Minimum of 5 years of experience in instrumentation and control engineering, in an industrial ...

Lunar Surface Test Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$110K - $195K/yr

... flight hardware qualification. The ideal candidate will combine strong hands-on test execution ... Design and implement test setups, including fixtures, instrumentation, data acquisition systems ...

The T&E Integrator works across the Engineering and Technology (E&T) and F-22 Enterprise to provide solutions to programmatic issues related to flight test execution activities. The responsibilities ...

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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 Jun 9, 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:
Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

Skyways

Austin, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


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
This role owns how aircraft systems are validated before flight.
You will develop and execute subsystem test programs across structures, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics, and integrated aircraft hardware. Your work will directly impact aircraft reliability, development speed, and flight readiness.
You will build the infrastructure needed to test complex systems quickly and accurately, including fixtures, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and automated test workflows. The role requires strong engineering fundamentals, hands-on execution, and the ability to diagnose problems across mechanical and electrical systems.
You will work closely with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and flight test teams to identify failures early, improve system reliability, and support rapid aircraft iteration.
The ideal candidate is comfortable building test systems from scratch, troubleshooting hardware issues directly, and operating in fast-moving hardware development environments.
What You'll Do:
  • Develop and execute subsystem test plans for aircraft hardware and integrated systems
  • >
  • Design and build test fixtures, instrumentation setups, and data acquisition systems
  • >
  • Support testing across structures, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics, and integrated aircraft hardware
  • >
  • Mentor junior test engineers and raise the bar for how test programs, fixtures, and data analysis are built and run across the team
  • Analyze test data and identify system failures, performance gaps, and reliability issues
  • >
  • Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and integration issues during testing activities
  • >
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to improve subsystem performance and validation processes
  • >
  • Develop automated test workflows, documentation, and test procedures
  • >
  • Support ground testing, aircraft integration, and flight test activities
  • >

What You'll Bring:
  • 5+ years developing and executing tests for complex hardware systems, including building test infrastructure from scratch
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • >
  • Experience developing and executing tests for complex hardware systems
  • >
  • Hands-on experience with instrumentation, sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition systems
  • >
  • Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical and electrical systems
  • >
  • Experience analyzing test data and diagnosing system-level issues
  • >
  • Ability to work directly with hardware in lab, production, or flight test environments
  • >
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • >
  • Ability to operate effectively in fast-moving engineering environments
  • >

Bonus Points If You've:
  • Participated in Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Solar Car, Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition, Design Build Fly (DBF), FIRST Robotics, Battlebots, etc.
  • >
  • Experience with aerospace, UAV, robotics, automotive, or other high-performance hardware systems
  • >
  • Experience supporting propulsion, battery, avionics, or environmental testing
  • >
  • Familiarity with Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or automated test frameworks
  • >
  • Experience supporting flight test or operational hardware deployments
  • >
  • Experience with environmental, vibration, thermal, or structural testing
  • >

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. 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.