Instrumentation Engineer – Lead Advanced Test & Calibration Systems in Aviation

Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Full-Time, Contract (12 Months)
Schedule: Monday–Friday | First Shift: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Pay Rate Starting at : $63.04  per hour

Drive Precision Where Aviation Performance Is Proven

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the aviation industry to hire an experienced Instrumentation Engineer to lead the development, execution, and continuous improvement of complex test and calibration systems.

In this highly technical and influential role, you will define standardized test methods, guide instrumentation design, and ensure data integrity across advanced aviation test programs. Your expertise will directly impact program success, customer confidence, and the validation of next-generation aircraft systems.

What You’ll Do

Develop, document, and standardize test methods and processes to ensure repeatability and productivity

Lead the creation, improvement, and approval of test procedures and calibration processes

Design calibration systems, test fixtures, and data acquisition architectures

Develop data processing tools, algorithms, calibration procedures, and supporting software

Guide teams designing test hardware, software, and systems to meet program objectives

Lead technical design reviews and oversee test team debriefs

Analyze, process, format, and approve test data prior to customer delivery

Establish data expectations using historical trends and validation methods

Ensure calibration system readiness, data validity, and compliance with program requirements

Lead cost-effective verification and validation strategies

Manage baselines and changes to scope, requirements, cost, schedule, risk, and supply chain

Lead proposal development, estimates, and statement-of-work approvals

Communicate plans and performance across cross-functional stakeholder teams

Mentor and train engineers while working independently with minimal direction

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent

Extensive engineering design experience (typically 20+ years)

Strong project management expertise

Experience with Integrated Test Vehicle (ITV) design

Experience with airplane systems instrumentation and wind tunnel instrumentation

Proficiency with drafting tools such as MS Visio, Zuken, CATIA, AutoCAD, or similar

Expertise in instrumentation sensors and data/control acquisition systems

Strong knowledge of hydraulic systems and airplane electrical systems

Systems engineering experience

Proficiency with LabVIEW and National Instruments (NI) hardware

This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.                                               
 

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Understanding of electromagnetic interference (EMI)

Experience with PLCs and closed-loop control systems

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree with 9+ years of experience

Master’s degree with 7+ years of experience

PhD with 4+ years of experience

Degree must be from an accredited program in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or chemistry

Why Join PDS Tech Commercial

Partner with a premier aviation organization on complex, high-visibility programs

Competitive pay aligned with senior-level expertise

First-shift schedule supporting work-life balance

Opportunity to lead, mentor, and influence advanced test engineering practices

Collaborative, high-performance culture focused on technical excellence and innovation

Ready to Lead the Future of Aviation Testing?

If you’re a senior Instrumentation Engineer who thrives in complex environments and wants to drive precision, performance, and innovation, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and take your expertise to new heights with PDS Tech Commercial.

Pay Details: $63.04 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
The California Fair Chance ActLos Angeles City Fair Chance OrdinanceLos Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for EmployersSan Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.