Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer - Data Acquisition Lead

Shield; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a senior Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer to design, install, validate, and maintain data acquisition for X-BAT and related systems. You will work across propulsion, structural, avionics, and autonomy teams to ensure robust test data and rapid iteration in a dynamic field environment.

The role requires 10–15+ years in instrumentation, hands‑on sensor/DAQ experience, and strong documentation skills. Domestic travel and on‑site work at test facilities are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace or related field.
• 10–15+ years in flight test instrumentation, data acquisition, or hardware integration.
• Hands‑on experience installing/configuring sensors, DAQs, wiring harnesses, telemetry systems.
• Strong understanding of instrumentation standards, signal conditioning, sampling, synchronization.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and electrical schematics.
• Proficiency with instrumentation tools/software (NI, Dewesoft, HBM, ICS, telemetry).
• Strong troubleshooting and rapid, data-driven iteration capability.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to support extended travel and remote deployments as required.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and maintain flight test instrumentation systems (sensors, DAQs, telemetry, harnessing, ground station interfaces).
• Develop instrumentation architecture, sensor plans, wiring diagrams, and installation documentation.
• Calibrate and install sensors (strain gauges, accelerometers, pressure/temperature sensors, current/voltage taps).
• Configure data acquisition systems (signal conditioning, synchronization, sampling, data integrity).
• Perform pre/post‑flight data checks and ensure traceability of data.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation issues and perform root‑cause analysis under tight timelines.
• Collaborate with Flight Test and Engineering teams to define requirements and safety considerations.
• Manage instrumentation inventories, spares, tools, and calibration records.
• Support field deployments and remote test campaigns; contribute to process improvements.

Skills

Flight test instrumentation

Data acquisition

Sensor installation

Telemetry systems

Documentation

Troubleshooting

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NI hardware

Dewesoft

HBM

ICS

ARINC 429

MIL-STD-1553

CAN

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a senior Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer to design, install, validate, and maintain data acquisition for X-BAT and related systems. You will work across propulsion, structural, avionics, and autonomy teams to ensure robust test data and rapid iteration in a dynamic field environment.

The role requires 10–15+ years in instrumentation, hands‑on sensor/DAQ experience, and strong documentation skills. Domestic travel and on‑site work at test facilities are expected.