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Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Washington

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 ...

Sr. Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$138K - $182K/yr

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

Supporting end-to-end Systems Engineering Integration & Test (SEIT) efforts for the Sapphire program, implementing test strategy, planning, execution, and closure across lab, ground, and flight ...

Supporting end-to-end Systems Engineering Integration & Test (SEIT) efforts for the Sapphire program, implementing test strategy, planning, execution, and closure across lab, ground, and flight ...

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

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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 26, 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:

Software Engineer 3

AEVEX

Washington, DC

$65 - $87.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 hours ago


Job description

Work Arrangement

This is an onsite position in Tampa, FL, Huntsville , or Northern, VA.

Job Overview

A software engineer is part of the software development team that creates software solutions for AEVEX. This person applies engineering principles and knowledge of programming languages to build these software solutions. This is mid-level position, and the ideal candidate will be an in-house expert for less experienced staff within the Engineering department.

Essential Functions

  • Contribute during the entire software development process including requirements, design, implementation, test, debugging and deployment.
  • Develop Embedded Linux, Windows PC and microcontroller software applications using C, C++, Python and occasionally other programming languages.
  • Deploy and maintain software on Embedded Linux and Microsoft Windows PC based platforms.
  • Expand the capabilities of our software products by developing new features and Integrating data from hardware such as GPS/GNSS, LiDAR and Accelerometers.
  • Rapidly build and deploy moderately complex mobile applications leveraging Location Services, Maps, and other common Android/IOS libraries.
  • Manage coded components and design elements of a front-end design system in terms of versioning, technology, and requirements.
  • Be able to work creatively through and around perceived limitations to build fast and simplified user experiences.
  • Support software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), bench testing, and flight testing
  • Collaborate with other software developers, product owner/manager, and stakeholders to deliver creative and tailored custom solutions.
  • Ensure that design supports the client's goals and requirements and be willing to make adjustments to exceed expectations.
  • Assist in creating a vision for, and communicating creative solutions for a wide variety of user experience challenges (graphic creation/development, wireframes etc.)
  • Facilitate discussions on design and user experience and communicate clearly and effectively.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Standard Essential Functions

  • Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
  • Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
  • Embodies AEVEX's cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications

  • Strong familiarity with Autopilot systems, ground control stations, or flight simulation software is highly desirable
  • Knowledge of communication protocols (e.g. SPI, I2C, UART, CAN)
  • Proficient in software development of microcontroller level embedded systems
  • Strong understanding of GPS, Inertial Navigation, Sensor fusion from a software architecture real-time processing perspective
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision
  • Excellent organization and problem-solving skills with extensive hands-on experience in software development
  • Knowledge of software development using Microsoft Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code.

Education / Certifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field required, MS preferred.

Experience

  • 6+ years of software development experience
  • Prior experience developing Autopilot systems, ground control stations, or flight simulation software is highly desirable
  • Prior experience with FPGA development is desired

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:

  • Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment

For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time.

Security Clearance

  • Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.

About AEVEX

AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.