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Flight Test Instrumentation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Test Engineer, Sr level

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$130 - $170/hr

Instrumentation Setup: Define flight test instrumentation parameters, data acquisition requirements, ranges, accuracy, and sampling rates. Program Testing: Support baseline, envelope expansion ...

Fmsaero

Flight Test Engineer, Sr level

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Instrumentation Setup: Define flight test instrumentation parameters, data acquisition requirements, ranges, accuracy, and sampling rates. Program Testing: Support baseline, envelope expansion ...

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How much do flight test instrumentation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test instrumentation 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.

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.

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Flight Test Instrumentation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Instrumentation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,999 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

Electra

Manassas, VA • Hybrid

$155K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

About Electra

At Electra, we're building the EL9 — a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage — and this role is no exception.

The Role

The Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer supports the instrumentation and testing of our hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft. This is an incredible hands-on opportunity to support our projects and flight test team.

What You'll Do

  • Support aircraft Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) system development, integration, calibration/verification and operation.
  • Manage aircraft data acquisition, telemetry, processing and storage.
  • Work with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to establish instrumentation requirements and maintain a Master Parameter List.
  • Liaise between engineering, technicians and the test organization.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

What You'll Bring

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, computer engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years' experience designing, integrating, calibrating and troubleshooting aircraft instrumentation.
  • Experience with data acquisition systems (e.g. TTC, NI, ACRA).
  • Experience with sensor characteristics (range, accuracy, frequency response, etc.)
  • Ability to operate independently in fast-paced test environment.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with a high-performance team.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Bonus Points

  • Practical experience with standard avionics communication protocols such as CAN bus and ARINC 429.
  • Experience developing basic software for process automation (C++, Python, etc.)
  • US Person (Citizen or Green Card) preferred.

This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Compensation Range
$155,000—$195,000 USD

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and equity
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
  • Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
  • Paid winter break
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting
  • Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
  • Free on-site parking

Electra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.