Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer: Data Acquisition

Shieldai; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a 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. The engineer will design, install, validate, and maintain data acquisition systems essential to aircraft‑level testing, safety, and mission success.

The role involves designing instrumentation architecture, calibrating sensors, configuring DAQs and telemetry, and ensuring data integrity across

Qualifications

• 2+ years in flight test instrumentation, data acquisition, or related hardware integration.
• Hands-on experience installing sensors, DAQs, wiring harnesses, and telemetry systems.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation standards, signal conditioning, and data synchronization.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and electrical schematics.
• Experience with NI, Dewesoft, HBM, IACS, and telemetry software tools.
• Excellent troubleshooting and fast-paced problem-solving in test environments.
• Willingness to travel for field deployments.
• Experience with developmental aircraft or flight-test programs.
• Familiarity with ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, CAN, Ethernet data buses.
• Master’s degree or higher in a related technical discipline.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and maintain flight test instrumentation systems.
• Develop architecture, sensor selection, wiring diagrams, tests docs.
• Calibrate sensors like strain gauges, accelerometers, and transducers.
• Configure data acquisition with conditioning, sync, and data integrity.
• Perform pre/post-flight data checks; ensure traceability.
• Troubleshoot issues and implement corrective actions under tight timelines.

Skills

Instrumentation design

DAQ systems

Telemetry

Sensor installation

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in EE/ME/AE

Master's degree

Tools

NI

Dewesoft

HBM

IACS

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a 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. The engineer will design, install, validate, and maintain data acquisition systems essential to aircraft‑level testing, safety, and mission success.

The role involves designing instrumentation architecture, calibrating sensors, configuring DAQs and telemetry, and ensuring data integrity across