Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer (R5009)

The role

You will design, install, validate and maintain data acquisition systems for flight testing of the X-BAT autonomous VTOL jet aircraft. The role is hands-on and field-focused, working with Flight Test, Systems Engineering, Avionics, Autonomy and Safety teams.

What you will 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.
• Support installation and calibration of strain gauges, accelerometers, pressure transducers, temperature sensors, current/voltage taps and position devices.
• Configure and validate data acquisition systems, including signal conditioning, synchronization, sampling rates and data integrity.
• Perform pre-flight and post-flight data checks for completeness, accuracy and traceability.
• 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 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 have

• 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.

Benefits

• Bonus
• Benefits
• Equity (full-time regular employees)
• Temporary benefits package after 60 days of employment (temporary employees)

Before you apply

• Offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.