Contract Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) Engineer
Position Overview
The System & Design Engineer is responsible for the design, integration, and substantiation of structural modifications required for the installation of flight test sensors and equipment. This includes external and internal installations such as ice probes, trailing cones, flutter exciters, pressure sensors, strain gauges, and associated support structures. The role ensures safe, compliant, and effective integration in support of aircraft flight test campaigns.
Key Responsibilities
* Design and develop aircraft structural modifications to support the installation of flight test sensors and test equipment (e.g., ice probes, trailing cones, flutter exciters, booms, antennas, and racks).
* Define system and structural integration concepts ensuring compatibility with aircraft structure, systems, aerodynamics, and operational constraints.
* Produce engineering drawings, installation layouts, and modification documentation in accordance with approved design standards.
* Perform or coordinate structural analyses (static strength, fatigue, damage tolerance, and flutter impacts as applicable) to substantiate modifications.
* Assess loads, vibration, aero-effects, and environmental impacts associated with external and internal flight test installations.
* Ensure compliance with airworthiness regulations, certification requirements, and internal engineering processes.
* Coordinate closely with flight test, instrumentation, stress, aerodynamics, manufacturing, and maintenance teams.
* Support aircraft modification embodiment, ground testing, and flight test operations, including on-site engineering support and troubleshooting.
* Evaluate impacts to aircraft weight and balance, performance, and safety.
* Prepare compliance reports, technical justifications, and configuration control documentation.
* Support approval, conformity, and return-to-service activities following flight test modifications.
Required Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
* Experience in aircraft structural design and modification.
* Knowledge of flight test instrumentation installations and integration principles.
* Proficiency in CAD tools (CATIA) and engineering documentation practices.
* Familiarity with aerospace airworthiness and certification standards.
* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
* Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Preferred Qualifications
* Direct experience supporting aircraft flight test programs.
* Experience with external aircraft installations (e.g., probes, cones, exciters).
* Knowledge of structural analysis tools and methods.
* Familiarity with instrumentation wiring, routing, and aircraft systems interfaces.
* Experience supporting aircraft modifications in hangar and flight line environments.
Working Environment
* Combination of office-based engineering and hands-on support in hangar and flight test environments.
* Occasional travel to flight test or modification sites.
* Schedule flexibility to support critical flight test activities.