Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) in Poway, CA, is seeking a Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer to join the Mechanical Engineering Flight Test Team. You will plan, execute and report on UAV flight test programs and support activities at remote locations across the continental US.

The role requires hands-on test work, the ability to troubleshoot complex instrumentation, and collaboration with flight operations, engineering, and program management. Travel 50-75% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering from an accredited institution.
• Strong communication skills and ability to document procedures and maintain technical records.
• Self-starter with ability to learn quickly and organize work to meet schedules.
• Desire to support hands-on test activities at remote locations and adapt to shifting schedules.
• Ability to analyze test data using Excel and other Office tools.
• Willingness to travel 50–75% and obtain/maintain a DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Aid in developing flight-hardened instrumentation systems for flight tests.
• Bench test instrumentation systems and networks to validate test methods.
• Install measurement sensors and data acquisition systems on aircraft for flight testing.
• Troubleshoot electromechanical systems and data acquisition systems on the fly.
• Develop test procedures and document test results and specifications.
• Support flight test activities from concept to data management and analysis.
• Coordinate with flight operations, engineering, and program management.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Self-starter

Teamwork

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

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 the Mechanical Engineering Flight Test Team, in Poway, CA. This engineer will be expected to work independently to plan, execute and report on system level UAV flight test programs. The hands-on nature of flight testing will require the test engineer to support activities at remote locations throughout the continental US, where company products are located and where flexible work schedules are often required. In addition, a high level of technical aptitude will be required in order to troubleshoot complex test systems on the fly. This is a highly cross-functional role, with expectations to build and maintain positive working relationships at all levels of the organization.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Aid in the development of flight-hardened instrumentation systems tailored to the needs of the flight test program.
• Bench test complex instrumentation systems and networks in a lab environment to validate test methods and accuracy.
• Install measurement sensors and data acquisition systems on the aircraft in preparation for flight testing.
• Learn new concepts quickly to troubleshoot electromechanical systems and data acquisition systems.
• Develop test procedures, maintain a detailed account of technical specifications, and clearly document test activities and results.
• Provide on-going technical support and health monitoring of the flight test instrumentation system from concept design and system build through test execution and data management.
• Perform Modal and Ground Vibration Tests of components both on and off of the aircraft.
• Determine, communicate, and document the flight and ground test objectives, and develop test systems accordingly.
• Work closely with other test engineers and technicians in the Mechanical Engineering Development Laboratory to complete aircraft level and component level research and development testing.
• Ensure test assets are prepared to support testing, including checking that product hardware and software are properly configured, procedures are written, equipment is operational, and results are accurate.
• Debrief engineering and management team on progress of flight and ground tests.
• Assess system performance and provide detailed descriptions of anomalies to software and hardware teams.
• Must be able to prioritize and multi-task while supporting test activities on and off-site.
• Must be comfortable working extended and flexible hours, and supporting work travel and schedule shifts as required, in order to support testing when and where it is needed most.
• Will work with flight operations, engineering, and program management in support of flight test activities.
• May assist Project Engineers with scheduling and logistics of unmanned flight tests.
• Will work closely with internal customers during test plan development and test execution.
• Must maintain flexibility in order to support test activities on aircraft, which may be located at remote test facilities and subject to inconsistent time constraints.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
• Must be enthusiastic about working directly with company products and systems.
• Must be a self-starter, with the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
• A strong desire to support hands-on test activities at remote locations is required.
• Has demonstrated an ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment, with the capability to accommodate sudden shifts in test schedules and test requirements.
• Ability to analyze test data and communicate results using Excel, and other Microsoft Office Tools is required.
• Excellent communication skills are required, including the ability to document procedures and maintain technical records, capture system test requirements, record test failures, present technical information and report test results.
• Must have the ability and desire to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to work extended hours and travel as required (50-75%).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Security Clearance is required.

Experiences/Skills Desired

• Experience with and an understanding of programmable sensors.
• Hands-on experience with vibration, temperature, and pressure measurement techniques is a plus.
• Comfortable discussing data processing techniques such as windowing, filtering, aliasing, and Fourier transform methods.
• Experience with a variety of data acquisition systems is a plus.
• Experience with IE languages such as MATLAB or Python, and experience with writing and debugging scripts.
• Basic understanding of digital communication systems, analog to digital conversion and transmission methods.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary
Salary range: 68,770 - 116,193