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Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Washington

L3HHCM20

Lead Flight Test Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

Lead, Flight Test Engineer Job Number: 42026 Job Location: Ashburn, VA Job Schedule: 9/80 ... Coordinate vehicle configuration, instrumentation, staffing, logistics, scheduling, and range ...

Electra

Senior Instrumentation Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

The Role As our Senior Instrumentation Engineer, you'll design, build, and maintain the ... You'll work closely with the Systems Test Manager and flight test team to stand up a capability ...

Shield AI

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Washington, DC

$115K - $215K/yr

... instrumentation, telemetry, data collection and test reports * Analyze ground and flight test data ... Coordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues, and mature system ...

Shield AI

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Washington, DC · On-site

... instrumentation, telemetry, data collection and test reports * Analyze ground and flight test data ... Coordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues, and mature system ...

Canvas

Flight Test Engineer (PL)

Arnold, MD · On-site

Flight Test Engineer Location: Arnold AFB - Tullahoma, TH This is a pipeline requisition intended to identify and engage qualified candidates for anticipated future openings. Submission of an ...

Canvas

Flight Test Engineer (PL)

Arnold, MD · On-site

Flight Test Engineer Location: Arnold AFB - Tullahoma, TH This is a pipeline requisition intended to identify and engage qualified candidates for anticipated future openings. Submission of an ...

Protingent

Senior Aerospace Test Engineer

Crystal City, VA · On-site

$153K - $200K/yr

Senior Aerospace Test Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct ... instrumentation, and data acquisition requirements for ground and flight testing. * The successful ...

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All JobsFlight Test Instrumentation Engineer JobsFlight Test Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Washington

Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$49.3K

$152.8K

$231.1K

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

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test instrumentation engineer in Washington is $152,770.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,500.00 and $181,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight test instrumentation engineer?

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.

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 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 popular job titles related to Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Washington are:

Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,770 per year, or $73.4 per hour.

Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

Manassas, VA • Hybrid

Electra
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Electraexternal

$155K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

About Electra

At Electra, we're building the EL9 — a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage — and this role is no exception.

The Role

The Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer supports the instrumentation and testing of our hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft. This is an incredible hands-on opportunity to support our projects and flight test team.

What You'll Do

  • Support aircraft Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) system development, integration, calibration/verification and operation.
  • Manage aircraft data acquisition, telemetry, processing and storage.
  • Work with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to establish instrumentation requirements and maintain a Master Parameter List.
  • Liaise between engineering, technicians and the test organization.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

What You'll Bring

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, computer engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years' experience designing, integrating, calibrating and troubleshooting aircraft instrumentation.
  • Experience with data acquisition systems (e.g. TTC, NI, ACRA).
  • Experience with sensor characteristics (range, accuracy, frequency response, etc.)
  • Ability to operate independently in fast-paced test environment.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with a high-performance team.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Bonus Points

  • Practical experience with standard avionics communication protocols such as CAN bus and ARINC 429.
  • Experience developing basic software for process automation (C++, Python, etc.)
  • US Person (Citizen or Green Card) preferred.

This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Compensation Range
$155,000—$195,000 USD

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and equity
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
  • Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
  • Paid winter break
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting
  • Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
  • Free on-site parking

Electra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.

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