Flight Test Installation Design Lead

An exciting opportunity has opened for an experience Aircraft Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) Installation Design Lead.  

The successful candidate will demonstrate success in directing the design, integration, and documentation of sensors and data acquisition systems on multiple test aircraft programs. 

With support from Project Management, they will manage the full lifecycle from design to installation, ensuring compliance with airworthiness standards, collaboration with structural teams, while ensuring technical leadership to a multi-national design team to meet flight test schedules and milestones.  

• →Lead teams of multi-national engineers, troubleshoot integration anomalies, and provide assistance/guidance for customer instrumentation technicians during installation and calibration. 
• →Interface with the customer structural design offices, manufacturing, flight test engineers, systems engineers and airworthiness authorities to ensure compliance. 
• →Direct contact with the customer / OEM to support their requirements and in support to the commercial project team, maintain technical agreements through the SOW and ECM processes. 
• →Define FTI installation layouts, wiring harnesses, and structural integration/interfaces, optimizing for weight, safety, and manufacturability. 
• →Technical delivery for the Creation, review, and handover of 3D CAD models (e.g., CATIA V5) and 2D definition for FTI electrical routing and installations (racks, wiring, antennas, sensors, support brackets). 
• →Technical support to the customer for successful PDR/CDR gate reviews and management of post gate review exceptions. 
• →Evaluate new instrumentation technologies, and develop new tools or methods to improve efficiency.  

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electronic Engineering. 
• Lower academic qualifications will be considered with candidates demonstrating an increased level of experience in both FTI integration and leading a team/project. 

• Strong CATIA V5 (or similar 3D CAD), PLM tools (e.g., 3DEXP, VPM, TEAMCENTER), and understanding of sensor technologies (accelerometers, pressure transducers, thermocouples). 
• Deep understanding of aircraft electrical systems, mechanical installations, data acquisition systems, and EMI/EMC guidelines. 
• Strong knowledge of EASA EWIS regulations and CS-25 certification requirements.
• Solid understanding of aircraft zone management, wiring degradation factors, and system safety principles.
• Strong project management and team leadership skills with the ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and technical reporting abilities.
• Ability to manage suppliers, assess technical risks, and ensure project quality and compliance.
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset with attention to detail.
• Commercial awareness for project success
• Strong customer support focus.
• Timely completion of instrumentation deliverables.
• Quality of definition deliverables and reduction in installation design errors.  

• Working knowledge of PLM tools, documentation standards, and engineering configuration control.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira).

• Additional European language skills (e.g., French or German) are an advantage.

• Experience in FTI, or a combination with avionics, systems installation design. Lead experience is mandated.

• Experience working within R&T (Research & Technology) or aerospace development environments.
• Proven experience in aeronautical electrical harness design and wiring integration.