The Senior DAQ/Telemetry Systems Engineer leads the architecture, deployment, and maintenance of complex data acquisition (DAQ) and telemetry systems supporting flight, propulsion, structural, and systems testing in aerospace environments. The role involves high-level system design, technical leadership, cross-team collaboration, and direct involvement in mission-critical testing and data reliability assurance.
System Architecture & Strategy:
Lead the design of high-fidelity DAQ and telemetry systems for large-scale test programs, ensuring signal accuracy, data throughput, redundancy, and compliance with test standards.
Technical Leadership:
Serve as the subject matter expert for sensor integration, signal conditioning, DAQ hardware/software, RF telemetry systems, and real-time data processing platforms.
Test Planning & Oversight:
Define instrumentation requirements, system capacity, and telemetry bandwidth for aircraft and engine test campaigns. Oversee DAQ setup, checkout, and validation.
Advanced Troubleshooting:
Diagnose and resolve complex issues related to data loss, RF dropouts, ground loops, and sensor drift using systematic troubleshooting methods.
Innovation & Tool Development:
Develop and refine internal tools or workflows to automate telemetry validation, sensor diagnostics, and test readiness checks.
Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing:
Provide guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers. Review documentation and design work to ensure best practices are followed.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work with flight test, structural, propulsion, and software teams to ensure alignment between test objectives and data system performance.
Data Quality Assurance & Post-Test Analysis:
Implement protocols to validate data integrity, calibrate signal channels, and support post-test data reduction and reporting.
High-Channel-Count and Distributed DAQ Systems:
Manage multi-node DAQ setups using technologies like PXI, EtherCAT, CAN, or custom FPGA-based systems across airframes or ground testbeds.
High-Bandwidth RF Telemetry:
Design and tune telemetry links (S-band, L-band, C-band) for long-range, high-data-rate operations in flight or remote ground testing environments.
Real-Time Data Ecosystems:
Oversee the real-time data environment, integrating telemetry streams with tools like IADS, DEWESoft, MATLAB, and mission control systems.
Cybersecurity & Data Integrity in Test Environments:
Ensure telemetry systems are hardened against RF interference and data loss. Work with IT/security teams to secure telemetry endpoints and data pipelines.
Standardization & Process Improvement:
Lead the development of DAQ/telemetry standards, equipment templates, calibration procedures, and system documentation for enterprise-wide use.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
7+ years of experience in DAQ and telemetry systems within aerospace, defense, or automotive testing
Deep expertise with DAQ platforms (NI, HBM, Dewesoft, LMS, etc.) and telemetry tools (IADS, Curtiss-Wright, Lumistar, etc.)
Strong background in analog/digital signal acquisition, time synchronization (IRIG-B, GPS), RF telemetry (modulation, antennas, power budgets)
Programming/scripting experience with LabVIEW, Python, or MATLAB for automation and data analysis
Excellent leadership, documentation, and problem-solving skills
U.S. citizenship or active clearance may be required (for defense applications)