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Flight Test Instrumentation Jobs in Grapevine, TX

... flight readiness. * Oversee the design, analysis, and construction of propulsion test stands, fixtures, instrumentation systems, and safety systems. * Support propulsion REs in defining test ...

... flight readiness. * Oversee the design, analysis, and construction of propulsion test stands, fixtures, instrumentation systems, and safety systems. * Support propulsion REs in defining test ...

Experience with force/torque measurement, deployment kinematics instrumentation, and photogrammetry or optical shape measurement. * Practical understanding of test-to-flight fidelity gaps for ...

Experience with force/torque measurement, deployment kinematics instrumentation, and photogrammetry or optical shape measurement. * Practical understanding of test-to-flight fidelity gaps for ...

Experience with force/torque measurement, deployment kinematics instrumentation, and photogrammetry or optical shape measurement. * Practical understanding of test-to-flight fidelity gaps for ...

Experience with force/torque measurement, deployment kinematics instrumentation, and photogrammetry or optical shape measurement. * Practical understanding of test-to-flight fidelity gaps for ...

Experience with deployment or mechanism testing of flight hardware - solar arrays, antennas, booms ... Experience with force/torque measurement, deployment kinematics instrumentation, and photogrammetry ...

Staff Loads Engineer (R4954)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$136K - $205K/yr

Interface with test engineering to support strain gauge placement, instrumentation plans, and correlation of in-flight data * Author and present loads documentation for reviews, compliance, and ...

Interface with test engineering to support strain gauge placement, instrumentation plans, and correlation of in-flight data * Author and present loads documentation for reviews, compliance, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Test Instrumentation information

See Grapevine, TX salary details

$78.5K

$106.2K

$127K

How much do flight test instrumentation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test instrumentation in Grapevine, TX is $106,246.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,400.00 and $120,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Flight Test Instrumentation jobs in Grapevine, TX?

For Flight Test Instrumentation jobs in Grapevine, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Test Instrumentation jobs in Grapevine, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Test Instrumentation jobs in Grapevine, TX are:

Infographic showing various Flight Test Instrumentation job openings in Grapevine, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,246 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Manager, Propulsion (Test) (R5089)

Shield AI

Dallas, TX • On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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:
We are seeking a Manager of Propulsion to lead propulsion test development and execution for the X-BAT vehicle, powered by a fighter-class, afterburning jet engine. This role oversees propulsion test infrastructure, engine testing, subsystem validation, and flight test support activities required to mature propulsion hardware from development through operational readiness.
You will lead a team of propulsion test engineers and technicians responsible for designing, building, and operating propulsion test stands and facilities supporting engine, fuel, oil, bleed air, and TVC systems. This role requires strong technical leadership, operational awareness, hands-on involvement in testing activities, and the ability to rapidly solve complex technical problems in demanding test environments.
What you'll do:
  • Lead propulsion test planning and execution from component-level development through flight readiness.
  • Oversee the design, analysis, and construction of propulsion test stands, fixtures, instrumentation systems, and safety systems.
  • Support propulsion REs in defining test objectives, instrumentation strategies, and data analysis methodologies.
  • Guide teams through propulsion thermodynamic analysis, transient characterization, thermal performance evaluation, and operability validation.
  • Drive root cause investigations and rapid troubleshooting efforts during testing activities.
  • Coordinate test schedules, facility readiness, staffing, and supplier support.
  • Ensure propulsion testing aligns with vehicle-level milestones and program priorities.
  • Lead development of test processes, standards, and operational best practices.

Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
  • 7-10+ years of experience in propulsion testing or aerospace development programs.
  • Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and aerospace propulsion fundamentals.
  • Strong understanding of gas turbine engine testing, instrumentation, transient response, and propulsion system integration.
  • Hands-on experience designing or operating propulsion test stands and facilities.
  • Experience leading technical teams and coordinating complex test operations.
  • U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience testing fighter-class or low-bypass turbofan propulsion systems.
  • Familiarity with Python, REFPROP, GFSSP, ANSYS, FEA, or propulsion performance analysis tools.
  • Experience with controls integration, TVC testing, transient characterization, or operability mapping.
  • Background in rocket propulsion testing or hot-fire development environments.
  • Experience operating in hardware-centric, test-driven aerospace organizations.
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.

$150,000 - $230,000 a year
#LI-MS1
#LD
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.
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.