Flight Test Instrumentation & Telemetry Specialist

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, a San Jose–based aerospace and defense company, seeks an instrumentation/telemetry technician for the Midnight program. You will install and maintain flight test instrumentation, DAQ systems, and ground telemetry gear, solving RF and communication challenges in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment.

You will work with vendors and internal teams to keep systems calibrated, documented, and ready for operation, including building hardware and ensuring timely, budget-conscious execution

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical certification in electronics, avionics, telecommunications, or related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 7+ years of instrumentation/telemetry technician experience supporting flight test or experimental operations.
• Experience with data acquisition hardware, telemetry operations, and ground station equipment.
• Experience troubleshooting RF equipment, radios, and communication systems.
• Experience installing and maintaining instrumentation systems on experimental test articles, including sensor maintenance.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, safety-critical test environment.
• Experience creating and following procedures and reports for hardware checkouts, maintenance, and test events.

Responsibilities

• Support Developmental Test, Certification, and Operational Test efforts for Archer's Midnight program.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot DAQ systems, ground telemetry assets, and ground stations.
• Troubleshoot RF equipment, radios, and computers related to flight test instrumentation and telemetry.
• Collaborate with internal customers and vendors to solve instrumentation challenges.
• Develop and maintain processes and documentation for installation and maintenance of flight test instrumentation.
• Assist in building hardware for flight test and telemetry operations (racks, air data booms, aerial equipment).
• Ensure stability, readiness, and calibration of ground telemetry and related equipment.
• Operate with independence to keep systems mission-ready with minimal supervision.
• Help ensure activities are completed on time and within budget.

Skills

Instrumentation/Telemetry tech

Data acquisition hardware

Telemetry operations

Ground station equipment

RF troubleshooting

Python

C++

VBA

Education

Associate's degree or technical certification in electronics/avionics/telecommunications

Tools

Python

C++

VBA

Job description

Archer is an aerospace and defense company headquartered in San Jose, California, building the aircraft and technology that will define the next era of flight. The company works across air taxis, UAS, AI and powertrain development — building real-world systems that combine software intelligence with physical hardware. That includes Midnight, Archer's all-electric air taxi; Halo, an autonomous vertical takeoff and landing aircraft built for both commercial and defense use; and ZEE, Archer's AI foundation model built specifically for aviation. We’re seeking exceptional engineers, operators and builders to join us on our mission to build the future of aerospace and defense.

Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

What You'll Do:

• Support the Developmental Test, Certification, and Operational Test efforts of Archer's piloted eVTOL aircraft (Midnight) program.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot flight test data acquisition (DAQ) systems, ground telemetry assets, and ground station systems, including their configuration and ongoing health.
• Be responsible for troubleshooting RF equipment, radios, and computers related to flight test instrumentation and telemetry.
• Work with internal customers and vendors to solve instrumentation, measurement, and telemetry-related challenges.
• Develop and maintain processes and documentation supporting the installation, checkout, and maintenance of flight test instrumentation and telemetry equipment.
• Assist in building hardware required for flight test and telemetry operations — e.g., instrumentation racks, air data booms, telemetry/computer racks, communication equipment, aircrew interfaces, camera systems.
• Ensure the stability, readiness, and calibration of ground telemetry, communication, and flight test instrumentation equipment.
• Operates with a high degree of independence, exercising sound judgment to keep instrumentation and telemetry systems mission-ready with minimal day-to-day direction, in direct support of operational test.
• Help ensure flight test instrumentation and telemetry activities are completed on time and within budget.

What You Need:

• Associate's degree or technical certification in electronics, avionics, telecommunications, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 7+ years of experience as an instrumentation and/or telemetry technician supporting flight test or experimental test operations.
• Experience with data acquisition hardware, telemetry operations, and ground station equipment.
• Experience troubleshooting RF equipment, radios, and communication systems.
• Experience installing and maintaining instrumentation systems on experimental test articles, including sensor maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, safety-critical test environment.
• Experience creating and following procedures and reports for hardware checkouts, maintenance, and test events.
• Must be able to distinguish colors.
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs unassisted.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with programming languages and reading/editing XML files (Python, C++, VBA + Excel).
• Experience with enterprise networking and computer systems.
• Experience with RF receivers, transmitters, and other communication equipment.
• Experience training others on instrumentation, telemetry, or networking/computer hardware basics and advanced topics.
• Experience working in labs or field environments with large, critical datasets.

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $130,800- $163,500. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.

Certain positions may be eligible for visa sponsorship.

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.