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Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Washington

AEVEX

Sr. Software Engineer

Washington, DC

$138.70K - $182.90K/yr

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

VTG

Senior Test & Evaluation Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Overview VTG is seeking a Senior Test & Evaluation Engineer in Washington, DC (near Navy Yard) to ... and Instrumentation, Flight Software, Re-entry Hardware, and Flight Termination Systems ...

VTG

Senior Test & Evaluation Engineer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$140K - $190K/yr

Overview VTG is seeking a Senior Test & Evaluation Engineer in Washington, DC (near Navy Yard) to ... and Instrumentation, Flight Software, Re-entry Hardware, and Flight Termination Systems ...

Astrion

Flight Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$105K - $155K/yr

Overview Flight Software Engineer LOCATION: Hybrid (Kirtland AFB, NM), Remote U.S. eligible JOB ... Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded flight software for small satellite bus systems

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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 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.
Radio Frequency (RF) /Radar Prototype & Test Equipment Technician

Radio Frequency (RF) /Radar Prototype & Test Equipment Technician

Envisioneering, Inc

Washington, DC • On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Radio Frequency (RF) /Radar Prototype & Test Equipment Technician
Location
Washington, DC 20375 US (Primary)
Job Type
Full-Time
Education
Vocational
How much will you travel if the job requires it?
0 - 25%
Minimum Security Clearance Required
Secret
Job Description
The Radio Frequency (RF) /Radar Prototype & Test Equipment Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced prototype systems used in defense and aerospace applications for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). This role involves hands-on work with radar systems, RF assemblies, electronic subsystems, custom cabling, and specialized instrumentation. The technician works closely with engineering teams to assemble, troubleshoot, and validate new hardware in laboratory, field, and airborne environments, including operating as crew on small aircraft during flight test missions.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
  • Assemble, integrate, and test prototype RF, radar, and electronic systems for development and evaluation.
  • Perform RF measurements using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, and other test equipment.
  • Read, interpret, and work from schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering documentation.
  • Fabricate, terminate, and repair wiring harnesses, coaxial cables, RF assemblies, and electrical subsystems.
  • Conduct precision soldering (surface-mount and through-hole) and electronic rework.
  • Assist engineers in developing test setups, procedures, and documentation.
  • Participate as mission crew in small aircraft; operate test equipment in confined spaces for up to 4 hours.
  • Support aircraft ground tests, environmental tests, antenna range events, and prototype installation activities.
  • Maintain, inventory, and calibrate electronic and RF test equipment.
  • Adhere to aviation, military, and engineering workmanship standards during assembly and integration activities.

Job Requirements
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Occasionally lift/transport equipment up to 40-50 lbs.

MINIMUM SKILLS/ QUALIFICATIONS:
  • DoD Secret Clearance that is active or was active within the 24 months prior to date of hire.
  • Hands-on experience with RF or radar systems, RF measurements, troubleshooting, and integration.
  • Proficiency with multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads, and Fourier/spectral analysis tools.
  • Experience with cable construction, soldering, electronic assembly, and prototype hardware builds.
  • Ability to pass an FAA crew flight physical and work comfortably in small, cramped aircraft environments.
  • Ability to lift and transport equipment, typically up to 40-50 lbs.
  • Active Secret clearance.
  • Strong documentation skills, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & FAMILIARITY:
Aviation, Military, and Workmanship Standards
  • Familiarity with AC 43.13 (Aircraft Inspection/Repair Procedures)
  • Familiarity with FAA-H-8083-30 (Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook)
  • Familiarity with NAVAIR 01-1A-505 Series (Aircraft Electrical and Wiring Standards)

Software Tools
  • Microsoft Visio
  • SOLIDWORKS Electrical
  • Altium Designer

RF & Test Equipment
  • Keysight VNA family (PNA, ENA, FieldFox, etc.)
  • Spectrum analyzers, signal generators, RF power meters
  • Standard electronic test equipment (multimeter, oscilloscope, power supplies, electronic loads)
  • Software or tools supporting Fourier and spectral analysis

Other Desired Attributes
  • Experience working on aircraft avionics
  • Experience working on airborne Electronic Warfare systems and pods
  • Experience in prototype development labs, rapid-prototyping environments, or test ranges.
  • Ability to work independently, adapt to changing technical requirements, and solve problems quickly.
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills, particularly in mission-critical or flight test environments.

TRAVEL: Regular travel will be required for flight tests, range events, integration activities, and field evaluations.
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION: None required
SALARY RANGE: $90,000 - $135,000
BENEFITS: Envisioneering, Inc. offers a stable work environment, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package including 401k (immediate vesting), Medical/Dental/Vision, FSA, Short Term, Long Term, AD&D and Life insurance, (employer paid), voluntary life, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Leave, Holidays and much more.
AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: You must pass a drug and pre-employment screening. U.S. Citizenship Required. *A Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required. Please confirm in your cover letter or resume.
Envisioneering Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship and immigration status, age, disability or handicap, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, hairstyle, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. Envisioneering Inc. is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.

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