ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Test Instrumentation Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$115K - $215K/yr

Lead and coordinate pre-flight, flight, and post-flight activities, including system configuration, instrumentation, telemetry, data collection and test reports * Analyze ground and flight test data ...

Shield AI

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$115K - $215K/yr

Lead and coordinate pre-flight, flight, and post-flight activities, including system configuration, instrumentation, telemetry, data collection and test reports * Analyze ground and flight test data ...

SpaceX

Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Test)

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

... flight conditions. Our engineers specialize in the design and execution of unique development tests ... Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation. DAQ ...

Venus Aerospace

Instrumentation Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Instrumentation Engineer The Instrumentation Engineer is a self-motivated, proactive professional ... Experience in aerospace, propulsion testing, or flight test * Familiarity with LabVIEW, MATLAB ...

Venus Aerospace

Instrumentation Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Instrumentation Engineer The Instrumentation Engineer is a self-motivated, proactive professional ... Experience in aerospace, propulsion testing, or flight test * Familiarity with LabVIEW, MATLAB ...

Venus Aerospace

Instrumentation Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Instrumentation Engineer The Instrumentation Engineer is a self-motivated, proactive professional ... Experience in aerospace, propulsion testing, or flight test * Familiarity with LabVIEW, MATLAB ...

Skyways

Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

... and flight readiness. You will build the infrastructure needed to test complex systems quickly and accurately, including fixtures, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and automated test ...

Lockheed Martin

System Design Engineer

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$95K - $131K/yr

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is seeking an experienced Flight Test Instrumentation System Design Engineer supporting the F-35 program. You will architect and develop instrumentation systems to be ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFlight Test Instrumentation JobsFlight Test Instrumentation Jobs in Texas

Flight Test Instrumentation information

See Texas salary details

$79.2K

$107.1K

$128.1K

How much do flight test instrumentation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test instrumentation in Texas is $107,140.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $121,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the primary daily responsibilities of someone working in flight test instrumentation?

Professionals in Flight Test Instrumentation are typically responsible for installing, calibrating, and maintaining a wide array of sensors and data acquisition systems on aircraft before, during, and after test flights. Daily tasks may involve working closely with flight test engineers and pilots to define instrumentation requirements, troubleshoot issues, and validate data integrity. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is common, as is ensuring all instrumentation complies with strict safety and quality standards. This hands-on role often requires adaptability to changing test schedules and a proactive approach to solving technical challenges in dynamic environments.

What is flight test instrumentation?

A Flight Test Instrumentation job involves designing, installing, maintaining, and operating specialized sensors and data acquisition systems used in aircraft testing. These engineers ensure accurate measurement of parameters like speed, pressure, temperature, and structural loads to evaluate aircraft performance and safety. They work closely with flight test engineers, pilots, and analysts to collect and interpret crucial flight data. Their role is essential for validating aircraft designs and ensuring regulatory compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in flight test instrumentation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Flight Test Instrumentation, you need a strong background in electronics, data acquisition, and sensor integration, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with instrumentation software, data logging systems, and industry standards such as ARINC or MIL-STD protocols is crucial, and certification in safety procedures may be required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These capabilities are essential for ensuring precise and reliable data collection, supporting test team collaboration, and maintaining safety during complex flight test operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Instrumentation jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Flight Test Instrumentation jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Instrumentation jobs in Texas? For Flight Test Instrumentation jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Instrumentation jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Instrumentation jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Flight Test Instrumentation jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Flight Test Instrumentation job openings:
Flight Test Instrumentation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Instrumentation job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,140 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer - Fixed-Wing UAS

Approach Venture LLC

Austin, TX • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Senior Flight Test Engineer - Help Validate the Next Generation of Autonomous Aircraft
Austin, Texas | On-site
Opportunity Summary
Join a growing aerospace company developing advanced unmanned aircraft systems for defense and commercial applications. The engineering organization designs, builds, integrates, and flight tests complete aircraft platforms, allowing engineers to move rapidly from prototype development to real-world flight operations. Working in a highly collaborative environment, you'll help ensure new aircraft and mission capabilities are validated safely, efficiently, and with high-quality engineering data. As a Flight Test Engineer, you will own the planning, execution, and analysis of ground and flight test activities supporting fixed-wing unmanned aircraft. This role bridges design engineering and flight operations, working closely with software, avionics, systems, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to verify aircraft performance, identify issues, and accelerate product development. The ideal candidate enjoys spending time both in the field and in the lab, solving technical problems and turning test results into actionable engineering improvements.
About Us
We are an engineering-driven aerospace company developing next-generation autonomous aircraft for demanding operational environments. Our team believes rapid iteration, disciplined testing, and close collaboration across engineering disciplines are essential to building reliable aircraft that perform in the real world. Engineers are encouraged to take ownership, work hands-on, and contribute throughout the full development lifecycle.
Job Duties
  • Develop flight test plans, test procedures, test cards, and success criteria for aircraft development and verification activities.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute ground tests, taxi tests, and flight test campaigns for fixed-wing unmanned aircraft.
  • Support aircraft assembly, integration, configuration management, and pre-flight readiness activities.
  • Collaborate with flight software, avionics, systems, and mechanical engineering teams to verify new hardware and software releases.
  • Monitor aircraft performance during flight testing while ensuring safe and disciplined test execution.
  • Collect, organize, and analyze flight test data using engineering tools to evaluate aircraft performance, stability, system behavior, and reliability.
  • Investigate test anomalies, perform root cause analysis, and work with engineering teams to implement corrective actions.
  • Prepare flight test reports, technical documentation, and presentations summarizing results, recommendations, and next steps.
  • Support hardware and software validation through laboratory testing, hardware-in-the-loop, and system integration activities.
  • Participate in flight readiness reviews, risk assessments, and post-flight debriefs.
  • Help improve internal flight test processes, documentation standards, and test automation capabilities.
  • Travel to flight test locations as required to support development and customer demonstrations.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 8+ years of experience supporting flight test, systems integration, aircraft development, or UAS engineering.
  • Hands-on experience with fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems.
  • Experience developing flight test plans, test procedures, and flight test documentation.
  • Understanding of aircraft systems, aerodynamics, flight controls, avionics, and system integration.
  • Experience collecting and analyzing flight test or engineering data using MATLAB, Python, Excel, or similar analysis tools.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose complex hardware, software, and systems integration issues.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical findings clearly.
  • Comfortable working in laboratory, manufacturing, and outdoor flight test environments.
  • Ability to travel in support of aircraft testing and customer demonstrations.
  • Must be eligible to work on projects subject to U.S. export control regulations.

Preferred Experience
  • Experience testing fixed-wing autonomous aircraft or tactical UAS platforms.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
  • Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or similar flight control systems.
  • Familiarity with telemetry systems, mission planning software, and ground control stations.
  • Experience supporting hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), software-in-the-loop (SITL), or simulation environments.
  • Knowledge of flight test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and telemetry analysis.
  • Experience supporting envelope expansion, performance evaluation, or aircraft certification activities.
  • Familiarity with flight readiness reviews, operational risk management, and structured flight test methodologies.
  • Experience with Linux, Git, and basic scripting using Python.
  • Previous experience working in a fast-paced aerospace startup or advanced aircraft development environment.

Why Join Us
  • Play a key role in validating aircraft that move quickly from engineering development into real-world flight operations.
  • Work alongside multidisciplinary teams spanning flight software, avionics, systems, manufacturing, and flight operations.
  • Gain hands-on experience across the full aircraft development lifecycle, from prototype integration through production readiness.
  • Take ownership of meaningful technical work with direct visibility into aircraft performance and product evolution.
  • Join an engineering-first organization where rapid iteration, technical excellence, and collaboration drive innovation.

Compensation Details
$150,000 - $190,000
#LI-AV

Apply