Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer (R5009)

Job Description:

Shield AI is seeking a highly capable Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer to support the development, integration, and execution of instrumentation systems for X-BAT, the world’s first autonomous VTOL jet aircraft. In this role, you will design, install, validate, and maintain data acquisition systems essential to aircraft-level testing, safety, and mission success.

The Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer is responsible for ensuring high-quality, reliable data capture across propulsion, structural, avionics, and autonomy systems. This engineer works closely with Flight Test, Systems Engineering, Avionics, Autonomy, and Safety teams to ensure instrumentation supports rigorous test objectives and enables rapid, data-driven iteration.

This is a hands-on, field-focused role that requires strong technical depth, disciplined execution, and the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic test environment.

What you'll do:

• 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.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.
• 10-15+ 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.

Preferred qualifications:

• 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.