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Flight Test Instrumentation information

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$115K

$137.5K

How much do flight test instrumentation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 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.

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.
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What cities are hiring for Flight Test Instrumentation jobs? Cities with the most Flight Test Instrumentation job openings:
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Flight Test Instrumentation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Instrumentation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% 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.
Flight Test Instrumentation Electrical Design Engineer

Flight Test Instrumentation Electrical Design Engineer

Archer

San Jose, CA • On-site

$185K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
What You'll Do:
  • Support the Design, Fabrication, Developmental Test, and Certification Efforts of Archer's piloted eVTOL aircraft project.
  • Perform the Electrical Installation Design for all Flight Test Instrumentation related hardware for flight test aircraft.
  • Support the Installation planning and liaison manufacturing for the installation of flight test instrumentation onto test aircraft in buildup and in active test.
  • Work with internal customers and vendors to solve instrumentation and measurement related challenges.
  • Key advisor to the Instrumentation Director regarding all aircraft instrumentation electrical design activities.
  • Develop processes and documentation to support the installation and maintenance of flight test instrumentation.
  • Collaborate with the Flight Test Engineering and Certification Teams to plan and perform all required development and certification flight test activities.
  • Collaborate with all engineering design and analysis teams to establish a comprehensive instrumentation plan including, but not limited to, monitoring of strain, temperature, vibration, pressure, airdata, ECS, etc.
  • Assist in designing all hardware required for flight test. For example, instrumentation racks, air data booms, aircrew interfaces, workstations, camera systems, telemetry systems, etc.
  • Support instrumentation technicians and Aircraft Operations Team in the implementation of instrumentation designs.
  • Ensure flight test instrumentation activities are completed on time and within budget.

What You Need:
  • B.S. in Engineering
  • 7+ years experience as Electrical Design Engineer or Instrumentation Engineer
  • Experience with design and installation of wiring for flight
  • Experience with the routing of wires/harnesses for aircraft
  • Experience generating work instructions
  • Experience with design for manufacturing
  • Must be able to lift 30 lbs unassisted

Bonus Qualifications:
  • Flight test configuration management process experience
  • Experience with FTI systems and sensor maintenance
  • Experience in Siemens Capital for Diagrams and Harnesses
  • Experience as an instrumentation engineer or in an instrumentation related field
  • Experience managing drawing configuration
  • Experience training people on Basics and Advanced Design Topics

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.
At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $185,000 - $235,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience
Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.
Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.
Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.

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