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General Atomics

Flight Test Instrumentation Engineering Supervisor

9/80 ScheduleOnsite · Poway, USA

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55732BR

Flight Test Instrumentation Engineering Supervisor

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

Poway

California

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

With limited direction, this position serves as the Flight Test Instrumentation Engineering Supervisor within the Mechanical Engineering Flight Test Team. The successful candidate will lead a team of engineers and technicians responsible for the design, integration, verification, and operation of flight‑hardened instrumentation systems in support of system‑level UAV flight test programs across the GA‑ASI product line.

This role exercises considerable latitude in developing solutions to advanced technical problems, defining instrumentation architectures, and guiding the execution of complex flight and ground test campaigns. The supervisor acts as a primary technical focal point for flight test instrumentation and may represent the organization as the prime technical contact with internal stakeholders and external customers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Supervise and direct Flight Test Instrumentation Engineers and Technicians. Review output for consistency, accuracy, and compliance with requirements and standards.
  • Plan, prioritize, and schedule work assignments. Monitor project schedules, timelines, and deliverables using standard project management tools and engineering systems.
  • Provide technical leadership for the development of flight‑hardened instrumentation systems tailored to specific flight and ground test programs, including sensor selection, data acquisition architectures, and network design.
  • Guide the design and integration of measurement sensors and data acquisition systems on aircraft, ensuring safe, reliable, and repeatable operation in the flight test environment.
  • Oversee bench testing, calibration, and verification of instrumentation systems and networks to validate methods, accuracy, and performance prior to flight.
  • Plan and conduct structural, mechanical, and vibration tests (including Modal and Ground Vibration Tests) of components on and off the aircraft; ensure tests are planned, conducted, and documented in accordance with company standards.
  • Review and approve test procedures, instrumentation plans, technical specifications, and test reports. Ensure technical rigor and traceability to requirements.
  • Provide expert troubleshooting support for electromechanical and data acquisition systems in real time, both in the lab and at remote test locations.
  • Ensure readiness of test assets, including hardware and software configuration, procedures, and equipment. Coordinate with flight operations, engineering, and program management to support flight test activities.
  • Act as the primary contact for the instrumentation team. Provide status and technical insight across engineering and program management.
  • Define individual accountability, milestones, and performance expectations; provide coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to team members.
  • Monitor and maintain budgetary controls. Allocate resources and recommend acquisition and use of equipment, systems, and other capital expenditures.
  • Make recommendations on staffing, training, and performance actions. Support the professional development of team members.
  • Anticipate future instrumentation and flight test needs. Identify and implement process and technology improvements to enhance test capability, efficiency, and data quality.
  • Prepare and present technical reports and briefings at engineering meetings and program reviews. Communicate test results, system performance, and anomaly resolution to stakeholders.
  • Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company procedures.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, seven or more years of experience with a masters degree, or four or more years with a PhD.  May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Demonstrated extensive technical expertise in flight test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and structural and vibration testing for aerospace applications.
  • Hands‑on experience with measurement sensors (e.g., strain gages, load cells, displacement, pressure, temperature) and associated signal conditioning and data acquisition hardware.
  • Experience organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating engineering workloads and test activities to meet established deadlines or milestones, including project or technical leadership.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and review test procedures, analyze test data, and document and communicate results using standard engineering tools. Data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar are a plus.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, enabling effective interface with multidisciplinary teams, management, and customers. Capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact.
  • Proven ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately in a dynamic test environment, and lead others through complex technical challenges.
  • Customer‑focused mindset with a track record of delivering innovative and practical solutions to advanced technical problems.
  • Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment, and to support extended hours and travel as required to remote test locations.
  • Experience leading flight test or ground test instrumentation teams in an aerospace environment is highly desirable.
  • Experience with a variety of data acquisition systems, programmable sensors, and associated configuration and control software is desired.
  • Familiarity with vibration and structural dynamics testing, including data processing techniques such as windowing, filtering, aliasing, and Fourier transform methods are required.
  • Experience with 3D modeling software and basic fabrication techniques for test fixtures and instrumentation hardware is desired.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Security Clearance is required.

Job Category

Engineering

Experience Level

Supervisory

Workstyle

Onsite

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time Salary

Pay Range Low

105,890

Pay Range High

189,545

Travel Percentage Required

0% - 25%

Relocation Assistance Provided?

Yes

US Citizenship Required?

Yes

Clearance Required?

Desired

Clearance Level

Secret

Flight Test Instrumentation Engineering Supervisor | General Atomics and Affiliated Companies

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