ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Washington

Electra

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

... instrumentation capability. This is a hands-on leadership role - you'll mentor junior engineers ... SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators ...

Electra Aero, Inc.

Systems Test Manager

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

... engineering as the primary customer. * Stand up an instrumentation capability that supports both ground and flight test. * Lead development of software and hardware in the loop simulation labs. (ex ...

AEVEX

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Washington, DC

$118.40K - $156.30K/yr

The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and ...

Electra

Systems Test Manager

Manassas, VA · On-site

... engineering as the primary customer. * Stand up an instrumentation capability that supports both ground and flight test. * Lead development of software and hardware in the loop simulation labs. (ex ...

Electra

Systems Test Manager

Manassas, VA · On-site

... engineering as the primary customer. * Stand up an instrumentation capability that supports both ground and flight test. * Lead development of software and hardware in the loop simulation labs. (ex ...

AEVEX

Mechanical Engineer 3

Washington, DC

The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and ...

AEVEX

Mechanical Engineer 2

Washington, DC

The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and ...

AEVEX

Software Engineer 3

Washington, DC

$65 - $87.50/hr

The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

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 May 30, 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 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.

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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 82% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,770 per year, or $73.4 per hour.
Principal Systems Test Engineer

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Electra Aero, Inc.

Manassas, VA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Principal Systems Test Engineer

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

As our Principal Systems Test Engineer, you'll be the technical lead driving development of Electra's ground test infrastructure and instrumentation capability. This is a hands-on leadership role - you'll mentor junior engineers, own the architecture of our simulation labs, and build the data management and automated test processes that engineering depends on to move the EL9 toward certification.

What You'll Do

  • Lead and mentor development of software and hardware in the loop simulation labs. (ex. hybrid propulsion copper bird; SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators; static and dynamic structural testing)
  • Lead and mentor development of instrument and data acquisition capabilities for ground and flight test.
  • Lead and mentor data management of all testing for use by engineering.
  • Build automated test processes requiring custom interfaces amongst disparate RTOS system models and hardware.
  • Serve as a key contact for all ground testing and instrumentation with internal customer organizations.

What You'll Bring

  • Bachelor's in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience. (aerospace/electrical/mechanical preferred)
  • 10+ years experience in systems ground tests and instrumentation. Preferably experience with test and evaluation at an aircraft manufacturer.
  • CAA (FAA/EASA) aircraft certification experience preferred
  • U.S. Person preferred

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.

Apply