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Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Test Instrumentation Engineer

Mojave, CA ยท On-site

$86K - $120K/yr

Vast is looking for a Test Instrumentation Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design, build, and ...

Ensure necessary test support equipment and instrumentation are available and operable to support ... engineer in a flight, wind tunnel, or other test environment * Experience with design of test ...

Test Instrumentation Engineer

Mojave, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

Vast is looking for a Test Instrumentation Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design, build, and ...

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Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer information

See salary details

$43.5K

$134.9K

$204K

How much do flight test instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test instrumentation engineer in the United States is $134,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $160,000.00 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?

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.
More about Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs
What states have the most Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,885 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Flight Test Instrumentation Manufacturing Engineer - (SJ2026MV)

Archer

Santa Clara, CA โ€ข On-site

$187K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

What You'll Doย 

  • Conduct the manufacturing and installation planning for flight test instrumentation hardware on experimental and production airplanes that require instrumentation.ย 
  • Lead the Build and Assembly integration process of the airplanes flight test instrumentation system.ย 
  • Support the Developmental Test and Certification Efforts of Archer's piloted eVTOL aircraft project.ย 
  • Collaborate with design engineering to develop installation and assembly planning for flight test instrumentation installs.ย 
  • Work with internal customers and vendors to solve instrumentation and measurement related challenges. Lead make/buy decisions for flight test hardware and harnesses.ย 
  • Key advisor to the Instrumentation Director regarding status of the instrumentation builds, assembly challenges, integration with airplane build, and parts status.ย 
  • Develop processes and documentation to support the procurement, installation, and checkout of flight test instrumentation and ancillary hardware.ย 
  • Collaborate with the New Product Integration Team, Manufacturing Engineering, Suppliers, and Design Engineering to plan and perform all required test installation and modification activities.ย 
  • Collaborate with all engineering design and analysis teams to establish a comprehensive instrumentation plan. Assist in designing instrumentation wiring, termination details, and physical and digital integration with the aircraft and aircraft systems.ย 
  • Assist in designing all hardware required for flight test. For example, instrumentation racks, air data booms, aircrew interfaces, workstations, camera systems, telemetry systems, etc.ย 
  • Perform Instrumentation Installation and assembly work with the support of an instrumentation technician team.ย 
  • Ensure flight test instrumentation activities are completed on time and within budget.

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree in Engineering.

Minimum Experience Requirement: Aircraft Maintenance Lead, Manufacturing Engineer or related job title in which three (3) years of experience with testing, troubleshooting, preventative and corrective maintenance and repair of aircraft or prototype aircraft hardware and systems using JIRA, SAP or other planning software and configuration management process was gained.

Alternate Experience Requirement: Aircraft Maintenance Lead, Manufacturing Engineer or related job title in which five (5) years of experience with testing, troubleshooting, preventative and corrective maintenance and repair of aircraft or prototype aircraft hardware and systems using JIRA, SAP or other planning software and configuration management process was gained.

Please apply online at: https://www.archer.com/careers. Must put job code SJ2026MV on resume/CV and cover letter.ย 

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. For this position we are offering $187,782 to $197,171ย per year.

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