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$85K

$115K

$137.5K

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

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test instrumentation technician in the United States is $114,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do flight testers make?

Flight Test Instrumentation Technicians typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They work with specialized testing equipment and often require knowledge of aircraft systems and safety protocols.

How much do flight test instrumentation engineers make?

Flight test instrumentation technicians typically earn between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Advanced skills in data acquisition systems, troubleshooting, and familiarity with aerospace testing environments can influence salary levels.

What is the difference between Flight Test Instrumentation Technician vs Flight Test Engineer?

AspectFlight Test Instrumentation TechnicianFlight Test Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires an associate degree or technical certification in avionics or electronicsUsually holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentHands-on work in test flights, laboratories, and maintenance facilitiesDesigns test plans, analyzes data, and oversees flight testing processes
Industry UsageCommonly employed by aerospace manufacturers, defense contractors, and testing agenciesWorks alongside test teams, often in project management and design roles

While both roles are integral to flight testing, the Flight Test Instrumentation Technician focuses on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation hardware. In contrast, the Flight Test Engineer designs test procedures, analyzes data, and ensures flight test objectives are met. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in aerospace testing.

What does a flight test technician do?

A flight test instrumentation technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting testing equipment used during aircraft flight tests. They ensure data collection systems function correctly and work closely with engineers to support flight testing operations, often using specialized tools and following safety protocols. Their work helps validate aircraft performance and safety standards.

Is instrumentation in high demand?

Flight Test Instrumentation Technicians are in high demand due to the need for specialized skills in aircraft testing and data collection. The role requires knowledge of sensors, data acquisition systems, and calibration, and employment opportunities are often available in aerospace and defense industries with steady growth prospects.

What are some common challenges faced by Flight Test Instrumentation Technicians during aircraft testing campaigns?

Flight Test Instrumentation Technicians often work in fast-paced, high-stakes environments where timelines can shift quickly due to weather, aircraft availability, or engineering changes. A major challenge is troubleshooting complex data acquisition systems in real time, often under tight deadlines. Technicians must also ensure that all sensors and equipment are properly calibrated and securely installed to collect accurate data during test flights. Effective communication and collaboration with engineers, pilots, and other technicians are essential to address issues promptly and to maintain safety and data integrity throughout the testing process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Test Instrumentation Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Test Instrumentation Technician, you need a strong background in electronics, instrumentation, and data acquisition, typically supported by an associate degree or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with systems such as LabVIEW, data loggers, wiring diagrams, and calibration tools is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, reliable instrumentation performance, and the overall safety and success of flight test operations.

What are Flight Test Instrumentation Technicians?

Flight Test Instrumentation Technicians are specialized professionals responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation systems used during aircraft flight testing. They ensure that sensors, data acquisition systems, and recording devices are properly set up to capture critical performance data throughout test flights. Their work supports engineers and test pilots by providing accurate, real-time information that is essential for evaluating aircraft safety, performance, and compliance with regulations. These technicians often work on both military and commercial aircraft during development, certification, or modification programs.
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What states have the most Flight Test Instrumentation Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Test Instrumentation Technician jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Instrumentation Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Instrumentation Technician jobs are:
Flight Test Instrumentation Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Instrumentation Technician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,999 per year, or $55.3 per hour.
Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer (R5009)

Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer (R5009)

Shield AI

Mundelein, IL

$150K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking a highly capable Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer to support the development, integration, and execution of instrumentation systems for X-BAT, the world’s first autonomous VTOL jet aircraft. In this role, you will design, install, validate, and maintain data acquisition systems essential to aircraft-level testing, safety, and mission success. 
 
The Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer is responsible for ensuring high-quality, reliable data capture across propulsion, structural, avionics, and autonomy systems. This engineer works closely with Flight Test, Systems Engineering, Avionics, Autonomy, and Safety teams to ensure instrumentation supports rigorous test objectives and enables rapid, data-driven iteration. 
 
This is a hands-on, field-focused role that requires strong technical depth, disciplined execution, and the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic test environment. 
What you'll do:
  • Design, integrate, and maintain flight test instrumentation systems including sensors, data acquisition hardware, telemetry links, harnessing, and ground station interfaces. 
  • Develop instrumentation architecture, sensor selection plans, wiring diagrams, and installation documentation in accordance with engineering standards. 
  • Support installation and calibration of sensors such as strain gauges, accelerometers, pressure transducers, temperature sensors, current/voltage taps, and position measurement devices. 
  • Configure and validate data acquisition systems including signal conditioning, synchronization, sampling rates, and data integrity verification. 
  • Perform pre-flight and post-flight data checks, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and traceability of all captured data.  
  • Troubleshoot instrumentation issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions under tight test timelines.
  • Collaborate with Flight Test teams to define instrumentation requirements, test plans, and safety considerations. 
  • Manage instrumentation inventories, spares, tools, and calibration records 
  • Support field deployments, remote test campaigns, and static engine/hover test operations. 
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of instrumentation processes and documentation. 
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.  
  • 2+ years of experience in flight test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, or related hardware integration roles.  
  • Hands-on experience installing and configuring sensors, DAQs, wiring harnesses, and telemetry systems.  
  • Strong understanding of instrumentation standards, signal conditioning, sampling theory, and data synchronization.   
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, and system architectures.  
  • Proficiency with instrumentation tools and software (e.g., NI, Dewesoft, HBM, ICS, telemetry systems).  
  • Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to operate in a fast-paced test environment.  
  • Excellent communication and documentation capabilities.  
  • Ability to support extended travel and remote test deployments as required. 
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience with developmental aircraft, flight test environments, or experimental test programs. 
  • Familiarity with IRIG time standards, PCM, Ethernet-based DAQ systems, and avionics data buses (ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, CAN, Ethernet). 
  • Familiarity with Curtis Wright DAS Studio and IADS software. 
  • Experience applying strain gauges, thermal instrumentation, or structural measurement sensors. 
  • Background in propulsion or structural testing, including engine run and hover test instrumentation. 
  • Experience with environmental sealing, harness fabrication standards, and EMI/EMC considerations. 
  • Master’s degree or higher in a related technical discipline. 
#LI-JM1
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.