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Flight Test Instrumentation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$102K - $124K/yr

Support the development of a flight test instrumentation plan for the Electra EL-9 aircraft. * Other duties as assigned. What You Bring: * B.S. in Aerospace Engineering (or related STEM discipline ...

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $170K/yr

Support the development of a flight test instrumentation plan for the Electra EL-9 aircraft. * Other duties as assigned. What You Bring: * B.S. in Aerospace Engineering (or related STEM discipline ...

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $170K/yr

Support the development of a flight test instrumentation plan for the Electra EL-9 aircraft. * Other duties as assigned. What You Bring: * B.S. in Aerospace Engineering (or related STEM discipline ...

As Flight Test Engineer at MORSE, you are a critical member of the team taking vehicles from ... Ensure necessary test support equipment and instrumentation are available and operable to support ...

Engineer V

Poway, CA · On-site

$105K - $189K/yr

With limited direction, this position serves as the Flight Test Instrumentation Engineering Supervisor within the Mechanical Engineering Flight Test Team. The successful candidate will lead a team of ...

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Flight Test Instrumentation information

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$85K

$115K

$137.5K

How much do flight test instrumentation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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.
More about Flight Test Instrumentation jobs
What cities are hiring for Flight Test Instrumentation jobs? Cities with the most Flight Test Instrumentation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Instrumentation jobs? The most popular types of Flight Test Instrumentation jobs are:
What states have the most Flight Test Instrumentation jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Test Instrumentation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Flight Test Instrumentation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,999 per year, or $55.3 per hour.
Staff Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

Staff Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

$152K - $229K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 356 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, but they're also making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking a Staff Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test & Evaluation organization. This role is located in Melbourne, FL.
As a Staff Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer, you'll contribute to the design, development, integration, configuration and testing. In this role you will be responsible for leading the team from design to flight testing.
Key Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
  • Responsible for the development of Flight Test Instrumentation process, procedures and modifications of both Electrical and Mechanical engineering drawings related to Instrumentation systems for ground and flight test activities.
  • Define Instrumentation system configurations and signal conditioning requirements common to Airborne Data Acquisition Hardware and Software such as sensor selection, installation methods, calibration and checkout requirements.
  • Perform a variety of duties, including engineering design tasks as assigned, participating in electrical design reviews, and procedure writing.
  • Design and Maintain TTC Airborne Data Acquisition Systems, including an onboard Data Monitoring Station in conjunction with typical Data system components.

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
Basic Qualifications
  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline AND 12 years of related professional experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 10 years of related professional experience, OR a STEM Ph.D. AND 8 years of related professional/military experience
  • Your ability to transfer and maintain a Top Secret government clearance, and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company.
  • Must have professional experience with one or more of the following: telemetry, RF, onboard recording systems, ground stations, or sub-systems
  • Must have professional experience with specialized Instrumentation test equipment/sensors. (e.g. Strain Gages, Accelerometers, Pressure Transducers)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ability to create detailed design specifications, product manuals, ICDs, and/or design handbooks.
  • Design and operational experience with TTC data systems.
  • Experience working in Navy Flight Test environments
  • Familiarity with fundamental principles of Symvionics IADS software or working in a Mission Control Room
  • Basic knowledge of data bus architecture MIL-STD-1553, IEE-1394, ARINC-429, RS232 and RS422.

#AS-FA3
Primary Level Salary Range: $152,900.00 - $229,300.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939