Job Title:
Flight Test Telemetry And Data Systems Engineer
Company: Actalent
Location: Mojave, CA
Created: 2026-04-15
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Job Title: Avionics Telemetry Engineer Job Description The Avionics Telemetry Engineer designs, integrates, tests, and operates radio telemetry and data movement systems for advanced flight test vehicles. This role ensures that mission data is reliably generated, transmitted, received, and made available for real-time monitoring and post-flight analysis in demanding test environments. You will work at the bits-and-bytes level, focusing on how data moves through telemetry and communications systems rather than what the data represents, and you will support live flight test and range operations in a hands-on, hardware-close setting. Responsibilities * Design, integrate, configure, and operate telemetry, instrumentation, and data communication systems for advanced flight test vehicles. * Prepare telemetry and data systems to support flight test operations and mission execution. * Configure systems to deliver real-time mission data and recorded data for post-flight analysis. * Support the selection and integration of sensors, data acquisition units, computers, network equipment, and telemetry hardware. * Develop, document, and manage telemetry and data system requirements for new configurations and test scenarios. * Perform system integration, checkout, calibration, and troubleshooting in both laboratory and operational environments. * Conduct telemetry and data system testing, including end-to-end data flow validation from sensor to ground systems. * Analyze and address issues related to packetized data, including dropped, delayed, corrupted, or out-of-order packets. * Consider timing, bandwidth, latency, and reliability constraints when designing and operating data paths. * Collaborate closely with avionics, software, network, and test teams to align telemetry and data systems with mission objectives. * Participate in design reviews, flight readiness reviews, and post-test reviews, providing technical input on telemetry and data systems. * Provide on-site support at test ranges, including real-time mission support and post-mission data review. * Troubleshoot and support systems in hands-on, operational environments, working close to hardware, sensors, and data acquisition systems. Essential Skills * Strong foundation in software, embedded systems, or computer engineering. * Experience with telemetry, instrumentation, communications, or data transfer systems focused on moving data reliably. * Understanding of data transport concepts such as packetized data, latency, loss, and the differences between real-time and recorded data paths. * Experience working close to hardware, sensors, or data acquisition systems in practical environments. * Programming experience in one or more languages such as C, C++, C#, or Python. * Ability to understand and work with data at the bits-and-bytes level, including how raw binary data is packaged into bytes and packets and transmitted over wired or RF links. * Ability to diagnose and handle issues such as dropped, delayed, corrupted, or out-of-order packets in data paths. * Comfort working in hands-on, operational environments and supporting live test activities. * Willingness to travel periodically in support of test and range activities. * Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Additional Skills & Qualifications * Entry-level candidates with a strong background in software, embedded systems, or computer engineering are welcome. * Experience with aerospace, flight test, or range telemetry systems. * Experience with RF telemetry systems and components. * Familiarity with Ethernet networking and protocols such as UDP and TCP. * Experience with embedded software, firmware, or hardware-adjacent programming. * Knowledge of aerospace telemetry standards such as IRIG. * Experience supporting mission operations or test range activities. * Familiarity with requirements management tools for documenting and tracking system requirements. * Prior work experience in regulated or safety-critical environments. * Comfortable supporting on-site flight test and range activities, including sporadic travel. * Interest or experience in radio telemetry, RF, instrumentation, and reliable data movement. * background or interest in data integration and data-focused engineering at a low level rather than in high-level analytics or dashboards. Work Environment This role operates in a hands-on, operational engineering environment that supports live test and mission activities for advanced flight systems. You will work primarily in person, closely interacting with hardware, telemetry systems, RF and instrumentation equipment, sensors, and data acquisition units. The work includes preparing systems for flight operations, providing real-time mission support at test ranges, and conducting post-test data analysis and system refinement. Engineers collaborate frequently with avionics, software, network, and test teams in lab settings, integration facilities, and range environments. The schedule follows a 9/80 work pattern, providing regular extended weekends. The organization offers healthcare benefits including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage, paid maternity and parental leave, a 401(k) savings plan with a 50% company match up to a specified contribution amount, and tuition reimbursement. The culture reflects a fast-paced, startup-style environment that plays a key role in advancing hypersonic technology, with an emphasis on innovation, reliability, and mission success. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Mojave, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $83000.00 - $158000.00/yr. 9/80 schedule Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs) Paid Maternity and Parental Leave 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500 Tuition reimbursement Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Mojave,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Apr 22, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: * Hiring diverse talent * Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection * Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes * Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at .