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Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Washington

Electra

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$139K - $168K/yr

... 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

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 ...

AEVEX

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$118K - $156K/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 Aero, Inc.

Systems Test Manager

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$150K - $188K/yr

... 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 ...

Electra

Systems Test Manager

Manassas, VA · On-site

$150K - $188K/yr

... 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 2

Washington, DC · On-site

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 3

Washington, DC

$139K - $172K/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

Principal Flight Controls Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$151K - $183K/yr

We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by ... The Role Electra.aero is seeking a Principal Flight Controls Engineer to serve as a senior ...

Electra

Principal Flight Controls Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$139K - $168K/yr

We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by ... The Role Electra.aero is seeking a Principal Flight Controls Engineer to serve as a senior ...

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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 Jun 25, 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 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 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
Link Margin/Test Range Planning Engineer

Link Margin/Test Range Planning Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 hours ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 57 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you interested in analyzing complex missile flight test scenarios, including hypersonic vehicle testing?
Do you enjoy solving challenging problems with a well rounded team in a dynamic environment?
If so, we are seeking an engineer to analyze link margin and telemetry performance during flight tests, perform instrumentation trade studies, and develop concepts for range and instrumentation systems needed to assess the performance of strategic missile, hypersonic weapons, and reentry systems. As a team member, you will also provide onsite support to test events.
As a Range Planning Engineer
  • You will lead and contribute to link margin analysis efforts for a variety of test sponsors
  • You will participate in flight test activities to include test operations planning and pre- and post-flight evaluations
  • You will develop concepts for advanced range and mobile systems to support emerging hypersonic vehicle test programs
  • You will produce reports and presentations to communicate results to team members and government partners
  • You will collaborate with cross-discipline teams to advise government and contractor partners on engineering challenges and design trades
  • You will support development of analysis tools

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline and 5+ years of professional experience
  • Have experience conducting, documenting, and briefing techncial analysis
  • Have experience in RF communications design or analysis, particularly in the areas of telemetry or satellite communications signals
  • Have a programming background, including MATLAB programming skills
  • Are able to interact effectively with individuals of different experience levels and backgrounds, including industry, government, and military personnel
  • Are willing and able to travel to attend meetings and field tests at other government and contractor sites
  • Will be comfortable working in closed area facilities
  • Have strong verbal and written communications skills
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you ...
  • Have a M.S. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on RF communication signals, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
  • Have 3+ years of experience in RF communications design or analysis
  • Have experience with Python
  • Analytical experience with various telemetry modulations and coding schemes used in flight testing
  • Currently have a Top Secret Clearance

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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