Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer — Hands-On Field Roles

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

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.