Explore Flight Test Instrumentation Operations Lead jobs and discover a pivotal career at the intersection of aerospace engineering and hands-on testing. Professionals in this senior technical role are responsible for the entire lifecycle of data acquisition systems on experimental and certification aircraft. They ensure that every critical parameter—from strain and vibration to temperature, pressure, and airdata—is accurately captured during flight tests. This position is the operational nexus, guaranteeing that instrumentation systems are reliable, calibrated, and ready to deliver the high-fidelity data essential for validating aircraft design, performance, and safety. The core mission of a Flight Test Instrumentation Operations Lead is to bridge engineering theory with real-world validation. Typical responsibilities involve leading a team to install, maintain, and troubleshoot complex instrumentation systems on flight test articles. They develop and enforce rigorous processes for system checkout, calibration, and configuration management. A significant part of the role is collaborating closely with flight test engineers, certification teams, and design engineers to plan instrumentation suites that meet specific test objectives. Post-flight, they oversee data processing, ensuring quality and accessibility for analysis teams, and act as a key advisor on instrumentation health and readiness status for all flight activities. Individuals pursuing Flight Test Instrumentation Operations Lead jobs must possess a unique blend of technical depth and operational leadership. A bachelor’s degree in engineering, such as electrical, aerospace, or mechanical, is typically required, coupled with substantial hands-on experience in experimental test environments. Essential skills include expertise in data acquisition hardware, telemetry systems, sensor integration, and wiring design. Proficiency in creating detailed procedures and technical reports is crucial. These leaders must have strong project management abilities to keep instrumentation activities on schedule and within budget, while also mentoring technicians and collaborating across disciplines. Physical aptitude for working in hangar and ramp environments, including handling equipment, is common. This career is ideal for systematic problem-solvers who thrive under the pressure of flight test schedules. It offers the unique satisfaction of seeing an aircraft fly and knowing its every performance secret is being reliably recorded by the systems you oversee. For those passionate about turning flight data into decisions, Flight Test Instrumentation Operations Lead jobs represent a critical and rewarding pathway in advancing aerospace technology.
