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Flight Test Instrumentation Jobs in Wichita, KS (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Flight Test Engineer, Staff (R5006)

Wichita, KS · On-site

$120K - $190K/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

Propulsion Test Engineer (R4380)

Wichita, KS

$150K - $230K/yr

You will work closely with propulsion engineers, flight test teams, autonomy developers, instrumentation specialists, and safety organizations to define test objectives, assess risk, and deliver the ...

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Flight Test Instrumentation information

See Wichita, KS salary details

$76K

$102.9K

$123K

How much do flight test instrumentation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test instrumentation in Wichita, KS is $102,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $116,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do flight testers make?

Flight test instrumentation specialists typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in data analysis and aircraft systems may earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced aerospace or defense engineers, such as senior flight test instrumentation engineers or systems engineers, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. These roles typically require advanced degrees, specialized skills in avionics and instrumentation, and extensive industry experience. Compensation varies based on company, location, and level of expertise.

What is a Flight Test Instrumentation job?

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.

How much do flight test instrumentation engineers make?

Flight test instrumentation engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in data acquisition systems and aircraft systems may earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace hubs or with advanced certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Flight Test Instrumentation position, 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 is flight test instrumentation?

Flight test instrumentation involves installing and managing specialized sensors, data acquisition systems, and recording equipment on aircraft to collect performance, safety, and flight data during testing. Professionals in this field analyze the data to evaluate aircraft systems and ensure compliance with safety standards, often working with tools like data loggers and software for data analysis.
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Instrumentation jobs in Wichita, KS? For Flight Test Instrumentation jobs in Wichita, KS, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Flight Test Instrumentation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Instrumentation job openings in Wichita, KS as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,879 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer (R5009)

Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer (R5009)

Shield AI

Wichita, KS

$150K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 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. 
$150,000 - $230,000 a year
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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.
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