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Overnight Flight Test Instrumentation information

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$115K

$137.5K

How much do overnight flight test instrumentation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for overnight 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 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.

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, and why are they important?

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 cities are hiring for Overnight Flight Test Instrumentation jobs? Cities with the most Overnight 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 Overnight Flight Test Instrumentation jobs? States with the most job openings for Overnight Flight Test Instrumentation jobs include:
Overnight Flight Test Instrumentation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Overnight Flight Test Instrumentation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. 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.
Principal Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

Principal Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

$98K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 14 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 availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 Aerospace Systems has an opening for a Principal Flight test Instrumentation Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Melbourne, FL.

As a member of the Flight Test Instrumentation team, you will be responsible for developing instrumentation drawings that will be implemented in the flight test aircraft.

Essential Functions

  • Work with senior engineers to define Instrumentation system configurations and signal conditioning requirements and architectures common to Airborne Data Acquisition Hardware including gathering, tracking and communicating requirements effectively to multidisciplinary teams.
  • Monitor and understand the configuration of the instrumentation system to recommend/authorize configuration changes and perform a variety of duties, including engineering design tasks as assigned, supporting design reviews, procedure writing, test integration and participating in trade study analyses.
  • Develop skills with TTC Airborne Data Acquisition Systems,
  • The selected candidate will work in a dynamic people-focused environment while interacting with customers and other design engineers. The position will be based out of Melbourne, FL.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer:

  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 5 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Master's degree AND 3 years of related professional/military experience.
  • Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
  • Experience working in Flight Test or Instrumentation design environments
  • general understanding of application and implementations of data systems, telemetry and RF, onboard recording systems and ground stations, sub-systems and specialized Instrumentation test equipment.
  • knowledge of Strain Gages, Accelerometers, Pressure Transducers and other commonly used instrumentation sensors.
  • Basic knowledge of data bus architecture MIL-STD-1553, IEE-1394, ARINC-429, RS-232 and RS-422.
  • Knowledge or experience navigating MIL-STD documents and specifications

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Design and operational experience with TTC data systems.
  • Familiarity with fundamental principles of Symvionics IADS software or working in a Mission Control Room
  • Demonstrated ability to support post-test data processing and analysis to provide recommendations / authorize configuration changes of the test instrumentation system for flight to Engineering and Leadership.
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00The 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

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