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Overnight Flight Test Instrumentation Jobs in California

Flight Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

Develop, coordinate and execute test procedures and instrumentation/test setup diagrams for flight tests. * Support hardware integration of avionics, telemetry, propulsion, and flight control systems ...

Flight Test Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Working closely with our flight test team, you'll manage and operate flight instrumentation-often of your own design-to ensure accurate, successful test execution. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Develop Go/NoGo ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

Understanding of flight test instrumentation. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge. Preferred ...

Understanding of flight test instrumentation. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge. Preferred ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

Understanding of flight test instrumentation. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge. Preferred ...

Flight Test Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Working closely with our flight test team, you'll manage and operate flight instrumentation-often of your own design-to ensure accurate, successful test execution. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Develop Go/NoGo ...

Understanding of flight test instrumentation. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge. Preferred ...

Flight Test Engineer

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$112 - $149/hr

Hands‑on experience with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, or aircraft systems integration is strongly preferred. * Flight Test Knowledge: * Understanding of flight test principles ...

Showing results 21-40

Overnight Flight Test Instrumentation information

What is an overnight flight test instrumentation specialist?

An Overnight Flight Test Instrumentation specialist is a professional responsible for installing, maintaining, and monitoring the instruments and sensors used in aircraft during overnight flight test operations. These specialists ensure that all data acquisition systems are functioning properly to collect accurate flight performance data. Their work typically involves troubleshooting equipment, calibrating sensors, and preparing detailed reports on system status. They often work during nighttime hours to support flight test schedules and minimize disruptions to regular flight operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an overnight flight test instrumentation engineer?

To succeed in Overnight Flight Test Instrumentation, you need strong knowledge of electronics, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation principles, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Experience with test equipment, sensor calibration, data logging software, and familiarity with industry certifications such as FAA or EASA standards are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for addressing real-time issues during overnight shifts. These competencies ensure accurate data collection and analysis, contributing to aircraft safety and successful test program outcomes.

What are the main challenges faced when working overnight shifts in flight test instrumentation, and how can they be managed?

Working overnight in Flight Test Instrumentation can present unique challenges such as maintaining alertness during irregular hours, coordinating with daytime engineering teams, and troubleshooting unexpected technical issues with limited onsite support. Success in this environment often requires strong communication for effective shift handovers and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Employers typically provide resources like shift differentials, break schedules, and access to remote support to help manage fatigue and ensure safety and accuracy in data collection.

What is the difference between Overnight Flight Test Instrumentation vs Flight Test Engineer?

AspectOvernight Flight Test InstrumentationFlight Test Engineer
CredentialsTechnical certifications, instrumentation trainingEngineering degree, pilot certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentAircraft, test facilities, night shiftsAircraft, test sites, daytime and night shifts
Industry UsageAircraft testing, instrumentation setupDesign, plan, and analyze flight tests

Overnight Flight Test Instrumentation focuses on installing, maintaining, and operating testing equipment during overnight aircraft tests, ensuring data collection. Flight Test Engineers design and oversee flight test plans, analyze data, and improve aircraft performance. While both roles work closely in aircraft testing, the instrumentation role emphasizes technical setup and data collection, whereas the engineer role involves planning and analysis.

Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer - Mechanical Design (Level 3)

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$95K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 397 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Standard Job Description
We are seeking a Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer with a strong background in detailed mechanical design to support the development, installation, and operation of instrumentation systems for flight test programs. This role focuses on the mechanical design of flight test equipment, sensor installations, mounting brackets, cable routing provisions, data acquisition hardware installations, and related structural or mechanical integration hardware.
The ideal candidate will have experience working in aerospace environments, understand aircraft configuration control and safety requirements, and be capable of producing high-quality mechanical designs suitable for flight test operations.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design mechanical installations for flight test instrumentation systems, including sensors, probes, cameras, antennas, data acquisition units, wiring supports, brackets, trays, and mounting hardware.
  • Develop detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and drawings for flight test installations.
  • Perform mechanical integration of instrumentation hardware into aircraft structures, systems, interiors, and external surfaces.
  • Create detailed design packages including installation drawings, parts lists, and fabrication instructions.
  • Support the selection and placement of sensors such as strain gauges, pressure transducers, accelerometers, thermocouples, microphones, flow probes, and displacement sensors.
  • Design brackets, adapter plates, fairings, housings, and structural supports to meet flight loads, vibration, thermal, and accessibility requirements.
  • Work closely with flight test engineers, instrumentation engineers, stress engineers, electrical engineers, manufacturing, maintenance, and aircraft operations teams.
  • Ensure designs comply with aerospace standards, internal engineering processes, airworthiness requirements, and flight safety constraints.
  • Coordinate with stress and certification teams to ensure mechanical installations are safe for ground and flight test operations.
  • Participate in design reviews, installation planning meetings, aircraft modification reviews, and test readiness reviews.
  • Support hands-on installation, troubleshooting, and checkout of instrumentation systems on test aircraft.
  • Resolve design issues discovered during fabrication, installation, ground testing, or flight test operations.

Basic Qualifications
  • BS in Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer Science or equivalent experience.
  • Technical background in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • Experience with 3-D Computer Aided design (CAD) tools/drafting software.

Desired Skills
  • Experience in mechanical design for aerospace, aviation, defense, or flight test applications.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as CATIA, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar.
  • Ability to create detailed engineering drawings using GD&T, standard tolerancing, and aerospace drafting practices.
  • Understanding of aircraft structures, mechanical systems, fasteners, materials, and installation practices.
  • Familiarity with flight test instrumentation hardware and sensor installation methods.
  • Ability to design lightweight, robust, and maintainable mechanical hardware for aircraft environments.
  • Knowledge of vibration, thermal, pressure, aerodynamic, and structural considerations for flight test installations.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced flight test environment.
  • Ability to read and interpret aircraft drawings, wiring diagrams, structural layouts, and engineering specifications.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Willingness to support aircraft modification activities, ground tests, and flight test campaigns.
  • Experience supporting experimental, or developmental flight test programs.
  • Knowledge of airworthiness processes.
  • Experience with temporary flight test installations and aircraft modification documentation.
  • Familiarity with instrumentation systems including data acquisition units, telemetry systems, sensors, and signal conditioning equipment.
  • Experience with external aircraft installations such as air data booms, camera pods, antennas, external probes, and fairings.
  • Familiarity with stress analysis methods, finite element analysis, or hand calculations.
  • Experience with composite and metallic aircraft structures.
  • Knowledge of cable harness routing, EMI/EMC considerations, bonding, grounding, and environmental protection.
  • Experience working directly on aircraft in hangar, ramp, or flight line environments.
  • Familiarity with PLM/PDM systems such as Teamcenter, 3DX, or similar.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $95900.00 - $178100.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
  • Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
  • For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.

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About Lockheed Martin

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As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912