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Flight Test Instrumentation Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Test Instrumentation Technician information

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$85K

$115K

$137.5K

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

As of Jul 1, 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.
More about Flight Test Instrumentation Technician jobs
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:
Infographic showing various Flight Test Instrumentation Technician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,999 per year, or $55.3 per hour.
Experimental Flight Test Instrumentation and Data Systems Manager

Experimental Flight Test Instrumentation and Data Systems Manager

Boeing

Mesa, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 598 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

Experimental Flight Test Instrumentation and Data Systems Manager

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Test & Evaluation (BT&E) has an exciting opportunity to join the Experimental Flight Test Team in Mesa, AZ as the Experimental Flight Test Instrumentation and Data Systems (I&DS) Manager. The new BT&E Flight Test I&DS manager will be managing day-to-day instrumentation operations for flight test programs and implementing new hardware/software to support testing on the Apache, Little Bird, and Chinook platforms.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Manage a diverse team of engineers and technicians to develop and executes project and process plans, implement policies and procedures and set operational goals

  • Acquire resources for projects and processes, provide technical management of suppliers and lead process improvements

  • Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with customers, stakeholders, peers, partners and direct reports

  • Provide oversight and approval of technical approaches, products and processes

  • Technical aspects: cost, schedule, and other programmatic aspects; and proposal support (including development of labor estimates)

  • Develop and engage employees through: coaching; mentoring; and employee performance assessment, as well as identifying growth opportunities and assignments that best fit the needs of the individual and the company

  • Skill and ability to: collect, organize, synthesize, and analyze information; summarize findings; develop conclusions and recommendations; and present the information to the team including senior leaders

  • Partner with other I&DS managers across the enterprise to develop common processes, tools, software and hardware

Boeing First-Line Leader Assessment: To be considered for this position, you will be required to complete an assessment as part of the selection process. Failure to complete the assessment will remove you from consideration.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience)

  • This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement

  • Candidates must have at least one year of experience in a leadership role (team leader, temp manager, large scale cross functional project/program management, or formal manager experience) OR completion of the Boeing internal course "Exploring Leadership"

  • Experience with test instrumentation, flight test or structural test

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience)

  • Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

  • 10+ years of experience with flight test, flight operations, or system test

  • Experience as a Cost Account Manager (CAM) or experience creating estimates

  • Experience with Program Management Best Practices including Base Line Management, Risk/Issue/Opportunity Management, Performance Metrics, Customer Communications, Requirements Management, Supplier Management, and/or Earned Value Management

  • Communication skills, organizational skills, and the ability to adapt to change

  • Experience leading a technical team, and experience working on multiple projects simultaneously

  • Experience as an Instrumentation or Design/Build Engineer on a military flight test program

  • Experience with Flight Test Operations

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Shift:

This position is primarily 1st shift; occasional alternate or extended shifts may be required to support test program objectives. Occasional travel is required for this position.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range: $141,100 - $190,900

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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