careertakescareertakes

Engineer I

Confidential ClientAerospace & Defense
Entry LevelFull-timeOn-Site$107,602
Poway, California
A Day Ago

The Engineer I at Confidential Client supports the development and execution of UAV flight test programs by developing instrumentation systems, conducting tests, and troubleshooting complex electromechanical and data acquisition systems. This hands-on role requires flexibility for travel and extended hours to support flight testing at various remote locations, collaborating cross-functionally to ensure successful test outcomes and system performance.

Boost your chances. Upload your resume to see your match score.

Unlock Match Rate
Description

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.


What You’ll Do

This entry-level Engineer I / Test Engineer role supports flight test instrumentation and UAV system-level testing. You will work hands-on to build, validate, install, and troubleshoot measurement and data-acquisition systems used in flight and ground testing.

  • Aid in developing flight-hardened instrumentation systems tailored to flight test programs
  • Conduct bench tests of instrumentation systems and networks to validate methods and accuracy
  • Install sensors and data-acquisition hardware on aircraft for flight testing
  • Troubleshoot electromechanical and data-acquisition systems in real time during tests
  • Develop and document test procedures, technical specifications, and test results
  • Provide technical support and system health monitoring throughout testing cycles
  • Perform Modal and Ground Vibration Tests (GVT) of components on and off aircraft
  • Define, communicate, and document flight and ground test objectives and system designs
  • Collaborate with engineers and technicians on R&D and production test activities
  • Prepare test assets (hardware/software configuration, procedures, equipment) for deployment
  • Report progress, assess system performance, and provide detailed anomaly descriptions
  • Prioritize tasks, multitask across projects, and adapt to changing schedules and test locations

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical engineering experience
  • Strong technical aptitude and a hands-on approach to working with instrumentation and test systems
  • Comfortable analyzing test data and reporting results using Excel and other Microsoft Office tools
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to document procedures and present technical information
  • Ability and willingness to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • Flexible schedule with ability to work extended hours and travel as required (≈50%)
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance (required)

Preferred / Nice-to-Have Skills

  • Experience with programmable sensors and a variety of data-acquisition systems
  • Hands-on experience with vibration, temperature, and pressure measurement techniques
  • Familiarity with data processing concepts (windowing, filtering, aliasing, FFTs)
  • Experience with MATLAB, C, or Python for data scripting and basic automation
  • Exposure to 3D modeling software and basic fabrication techniques

Compensation & Location

  • Estimated base pay: $107,602 per year (estimated)
  • Location: Poway, CA. Telecommute/remote-capable role with frequent field work — expect significant travel to remote test sites across the continental U.S. (≈50%).

Note: This posting is for a position with a confidential client. Pay shown is the source post's estimated figure and is included for transparency.


Working Conditions & Travel

  • Hands-on, field-forward role supporting flight test operations
  • Frequent travel to remote test locations across the continental U.S.; flexible hours and schedule shifts often required
  • Expect physically active tasks when installing sensors and test equipment on airframes

Why Candidates Like This Role

  • Fast-paced, technically challenging flight-test environment with strong cross-functional collaboration
  • Opportunity to develop practical instrumentation, data-acquisition, and test-engineering skills on real aircraft systems
  • Exposure to advanced measurement and signal-processing techniques

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.

Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.

View My Salary Range