Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

General Atomics • Poway, CA

141d • $68,770 - $116,193

About The Position

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems. We have an exciting opportunity for a Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer, to join our Electrical Flight Test team in Poway, CA. This position provides a unique opportunity for you to grow across the entire cycle of a Flight Test Instrumentation project - being heavily involved with planning, system design, integration, execution, data display and post flight data delivery & analysis on GA-ASI's advanced aircraft platforms. In addition to aircraft projects, you'll have opportunities for projects ranging from hardware/software design, video, air and ground system telemetry and engine test stands. The ideal candidate will have experience in flight test, flight test instrumentation engineering, system & cable design, data acquisition, with a strong preference for experience with Safran/ACRA/Curtiss-Wright instrumentation systems. This position requires heavy travel, at least 25% of the time, to support flight test operations at various locations.

Requirements

• Typically requires a bachelors or masters degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and two or more years of engineering experience with a bachelors degree.
• Electrical or Computer Engineering Degree Highly Preferred.
• Experience in flight test instrumentation engineering, including test planning, execution, and data analysis, is required.
• Familiarity with flight test instrumentation systems, with a strong preference for experience using Safran/KAM instrumentation systems, is highly desirable.
• Experience with applied instrumentation such as strain gauges, load cells, and accelerometers.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering processes, including requirements verification and validation.
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings, specifications, and technical data.
• Proficiency in data processing and analysis tools, such as IADS & MATLAB is desirable.
• Proficiency in LabVIEW, Python or other programming languages.
• Proficiency in cable CAD tools such as Zuken E3 or similar.
• Working experience with bus communication protocols and standards such as Serial (RS422,232,485), 1553, ARINC, CAN Bus and Ethernet.
• Must have an understanding of engineering concepts, principles, and theory with technical experience demonstrating the application of those concepts while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
• Understanding of basic RF theory is a plus.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with engineering teams, flight test personnel, and customers.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines in a fast-paced testing environment.
• Must be customer-focused, detail-oriented, and capable of resolving advanced technical problems.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, high-quality work.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must be willing and able to travel at least 25% of the time and work extended hours, based on program needs.
• Previous experience in aerospace, defense, or a related industry is highly desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineering teams to plan, coordinate, and execute flight test campaigns to validate system performance and ensure compliance with requirements.
• Develop and design flight test instrumentation systems, cables, equipment, and software to facilitate execution and testing of unmanned air vehicles.
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot flight test instrumentation systems, with a focus on Safran/ACRA/Curtiss-Wright data acquisition systems.
• Support the installation, test, and sustainment of flight test hardware and software at multiple GA locations and facilities.
• Work with subject matter experts on the proper selection and location of flight test instrumentation with extensive work on the integration of flight test hardware into unmanned air vehicles.
• Work closely with technicians, engineers, and project engineers to ensure successful execution of flight test objectives.
• Work closely with SME's on build and design of analysis windows and displays.
• Responsible for system level troubleshooting guides and fault isolation diagrams for AV and ground support systems.
• Data extraction, conversion and upload.
• Process, analyze, and report flight test data, including the preparation of technical reports and presentations for stakeholders.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

Benefits

• Salary: $68,770 - $116,193

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree