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Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Washington

AEVEX

Sr. Software Engineer

Washington, DC

$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 ...

AST SpaceMobile

Mechanisms Flight Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

The Mechanisms Flight Engineer is responsible for the verification, operational readiness, and ... instrumentation. * Experience developing automated test procedures and scripts (Python preferred ...

Electra

Staff / Senior Flight Physics Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

You will work closely with aerodynamics, flight sciences, systems, certification, flight test, and ... Collaborate with engineering teams to gather, analyze, and interpret data that drives informed ...

Electra

Staff / Senior Flight Physics Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

You will work closely with aerodynamics, flight sciences, systems, certification, flight test, and ... Collaborate with engineering teams to gather, analyze, and interpret data that drives informed ...

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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 Jul 18, 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
Infographic showing various Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,770 per year, or $73.4 per hour.
Flight Test and Evaluation Subject Matter Expert

Flight Test and Evaluation Subject Matter Expert

Pantheon Data

Washington, DC • On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
Pantheon Data (a Kenific Holding company) is a private, small business based in the Washington, DC, area. Pantheon Data was founded in 2011, initially providing acquisition and supply chain management services to the US Coast Guard. Our service offerings have grown in the past ten years, including infrastructure resiliency, contact center operations, information technology, software engineering, program management, strategic communications, engineering, and cybersecurity. We have also grown our customer base to include commercial clients. The company has used this experience to expand our service offerings to other agencies within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Defense (DoD), and other Federal Civilian Agencies.
Position Overview
Pantheon Data is seeking a Flight Test & Evaluation Subject Matter Expert who will provide expertise for aircraft and systems Test & Evaluation (T&E).
Responsibilities
  • Develop T&E plans, strategies, and reports.
  • Conduct operational and developmental testing.
  • Analyze test data and provide recommendations.
  • Support acquisition and field operations.

Required Skills and Experience
  • Bachelor's in Aeronautics/Engineering.
  • 7+ years T&E experience.
  • DHS T&E certifications required (Level III, Operational Test Director).
  • Strong aviation testing background.
  • Ability to work effectively remotely in cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and produce quality work.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Suite software including Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.

Clearance Requirements
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements. Secret Clearance is required for continued employment.
Work Location: Hybrid - Washington, D.C.
  • Our company prioritizes the benefits of flexibility and collaboration, whether that happens in person or remotely.
  • If the position is remote or hybrid, you may periodically work from a Pantheon Data office location or client site.
  • If this position is assigned to a Pantheon Data office location or client site, you'll work with colleagues and clients in person, as needed for specific client requirements.

Compensation
The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $160,000. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
Benefits Overview
We are always looking for good people! Pantheon Data is committed to providing its employees with competitive salaries and benefits in order to increase employee satisfaction and productivity. In addition to our benefits, we also offer SmartBenefits through the Washington Metro Area Transportation Authority, where you specify an amount of your pre-tax wages be paid directly to your SmarTrip account. In some cases, tuition assistance may be available for continuing education expenses and certifications related to their position. Additional details may be found at
Pantheon Data Important Information
All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.
As part of the application process, you are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Talent Team at or by phone (571) 363-4020.
This company uses E-Verify to confirm each employee's work authorization. For more information, click here

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