Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer (R5009)

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.