Engineer I
The Engineer I at Confidential Client is responsible for independently planning, executing, and reporting UAV flight test programs, focusing on flight test instrumentation systems. This role requires hands-on support at remote test locations, troubleshooting complex electromechanical and data acquisition systems, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure successful flight and ground testing.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client seeks an entry-level Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer to join the Mechanical Engineering Flight Test team in Poway, CA. This hands-on position supports system-level UAV flight test programs, including lab validation, aircraft sensor installation, data acquisition, vibration testing, and field support at remote test sites across the continental US.
What You’ll Do
You will plan, execute, and report on flight and ground test activities for unmanned aircraft systems and related components. Typical responsibilities include:
- Aid development of flight-hardened instrumentation systems for flight test programs
- Bench test instrumentation systems and networks in the lab to validate test methods and accuracy
- Install measurement sensors and data acquisition systems on aircraft in preparation for flight testing
- Troubleshoot electromechanical systems and data acquisition hardware in the field
- Develop and document test procedures, technical specs, and test results
- Provide ongoing technical support and health monitoring of instrumentation from concept through test execution and data management
- Perform modal and ground vibration testing on components on and off the aircraft
- Coordinate test objectives with flight operations, engineering, and program management
- Debrief engineering and management teams on test progress and anomalies
- Support logistics, scheduling, and onsite test activities; be prepared for extended hours and flexible schedules
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline, or equivalent engineering experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document procedures and present test results
- Comfortable with hands-on lab and field work and traveling to remote test sites (50%–75% travel)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and general data analysis workflows
- Self-starter who learns quickly and adapts to shifting schedules and evolving test requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD security clearance
- U.S. citizenship required where applicable for position needs
Preferred
- Experience with programmable sensors and various data acquisition systems
- Hands-on experience with vibration, temperature, and pressure measurement techniques
- Familiarity with data processing concepts such as windowing, filtering, aliasing, and Fourier transforms
- Experience using MATLAB or Python for data analysis and scripting
- Basic understanding of digital communications and analog to digital conversion concepts
Compensation, Workstyle & Logistics
- Salary range: $63,000 — $105,375 per year (range provided by Confidential Client)
- Employment type: Full-time
- Workstyle: Onsite with telecommute-capable responsibilities; role supports remote flight tests across the continental US
- Travel: Approximately 50%–75% travel required, including stays at remote test sites and irregular hours
- Relocation assistance: Available
- Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain DOD clearance required
- US Citizenship: Required for certain roles due to clearance and program eligibility
Why Apply
This is an excellent opportunity to build hands-on flight test and instrumentation experience on complex unmanned systems, work cross-functionally across engineering and flight operations, and develop skills in data acquisition, vibration testing, and field troubleshooting. Applicants may gain access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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