Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer (R5009)
Design, install, and maintain instrumentation systems for X-BAT autonomous VTOL jet aircraft, supporting flight test data capture across propulsion, structural, and avionics systems. Requires 2+ years of flight test instrumentation experience and a bachelor's in engineering.
About the job
Responsibilities
- Design, integrate, and maintain flight test instrumentation systems including sensors, data acquisition hardware, telemetry links, harnessing, and ground station interfaces.
- Develop instrumentation architecture, sensor selection plans, wiring diagrams, and installation documentation in accordance with engineering standards.
- Support installation and calibration of sensors such as strain gauges, accelerometers, pressure transducers, temperature sensors, current/voltage taps, and position measurement devices.
- Configure and validate data acquisition systems including signal conditioning, synchronization, sampling rates, and data integrity verification.
- Perform pre-flight and post-flight data checks, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and traceability of all captured data.
- Troubleshoot instrumentation issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions under tight test timelines.
- Collaborate with Flight Test teams to define instrumentation requirements, test plans, and safety considerations.
- Manage instrumentation inventories, spares, tools, and calibration records.
- Support field deployments, remote test campaigns, and static engine/hover test operations.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of instrumentation processes and documentation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.
- 2+ years of experience in flight test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, or related hardware integration roles.
- Hands-on experience installing and configuring sensors, DAQs, wiring harnesses, and telemetry systems.
- Strong understanding of instrumentation standards, signal conditioning, sampling theory, and data synchronization.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, and system architectures.
- Proficiency with instrumentation tools and software (e.g., NI, Dewesoft, HBM, ICS, telemetry systems).
- Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to operate in a fast-paced test environment.
- Excellent communication and documentation capabilities.
- Ability to support extended travel and remote test deployments as required.
Nice-to-Haves
- Experience with developmental aircraft, flight test environments, or experimental test programs.
- Familiarity with IRIG time standards, PCM, Ethernet-based DAQ systems, and avionics data buses (ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, CAN, Ethernet).
- Familiarity with Curtis Wright DAS Studio and IADS software.
- Experience applying strain gauges, thermal instrumentation, or structural measurement sensors.
- Background in propulsion or structural testing, including engine run and hover test instrumentation.
- Experience with environmental sealing, harness fabrication standards, and EMI/EMC considerations.
- Master’s degree or higher in a related technical discipline.
Skills
Flight Test Instrumentation, Data Acquisition Systems, Sensors, Ni, Dewesoft, Hbm, Telemetry Systems, Wiring Harnesses, Signal Conditioning, Irig Time Standards, Arinc 429, Mil-Std-1553, Can Bus, Strain Gauges
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