Job Description

Job Title: Staff Flight Test Instrumentation Specialist

Location: Hollister, CA (Onsite at Headquarters)

Assignment Duration: 12 months

Department: Aircraft Development

Position Overview

We're seeking a Staff Flight Test Instrumentation Specialist to support the development, testing, and certification of a cutting-edge all-electric aircraft. This position plays a critical role in ensuring reliable and accurate data collection during the aircraft development cycle. You'll join a multidisciplinary test operations team and collaborate with engineers across systems to design, install, calibrate, and maintain the flight test instrumentation systems necessary for certification testing.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Install, troubleshoot, and calibrate advanced instrumentation systems on a next-generation aircraft.
• Support instrumentation engineering by assisting in sensor selection and system design for flight test data acquisition.
• Conduct pre- and post-flight system checks to verify data quality and instrument performance.
• Process flight test data and support analysis efforts following test execution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and fulfill data acquisition needs across test phases.
• Create tools and documentation to streamline future instrumentation activities.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety and risk management throughout all operational tasks.

Required Experience

• Hands-on experience installing and maintaining instrumentation on experimental aircraft.
• Skilled in working with sensors such as strain gauges, thermocouples, accelerometers, and VDTs.
• Able to fabricate and terminate custom wire harnesses and connectors for instrumentation use.
• Proficient in telemetry systems and onboard data collection systems.
• Deep understanding of flight testing in a high-stakes development environment.
• Technical qualifications in engineering or significant relevant field experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in designing instrumentation systems for clean-sheet aircraft programs.
• Familiarity with battery-powered aircraft systems and their instrumentation needs.
• Experience working with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), especially larger or more complex platforms.
• Exposure to autonomy technologies and electric propulsion systems.
• Familiarity with Safran XMA data acquisition systems.
• Experience supporting test campaigns under certification authorities like FAA, TCCA, or EASA.

Who You Are

• Technically curious and eager to solve challenging problems.
• A proactive communicator who adapts messaging for diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Comfortable in fast-paced environments and capable of delivering results under tight timelines.
• Detail-oriented and safety-conscious, especially in high-risk testing environments.
• A team player who brings positive energy and collaborates well across disciplines.

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