The Senior I&C Planner is responsible for leading and coordinating the strategic planning, scheduling, and execution of instrumentation and control systems integration for flight test campaigns. This role ensures aircraft systems are test-ready through effective leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement in planning methodologies. The role supports new aircraft development, prototype testing, and certification efforts.
Program-Level Planning:
Develop and manage end-to-end I&C integration schedules aligned with flight test campaign phases, from initial power-on to certification flights.
Team Leadership:
Lead a team of junior and mid-level planners and technicians. Provide mentorship, task delegation, and performance oversight.
Technical Coordination:
Work closely with flight test engineers, systems leads, instrumentation teams, and build managers to ensure timely, accurate integration of sensors, harnesses, DAQ systems, and control hardware.
Schedule Optimization & Risk Management:
Identify critical paths and lead mitigation efforts for delays due to design changes, test plan shifts, or component availability.
Configuration Management:
Ensure accurate tracking of test configurations, sensor placements, and control system interfaces. Oversee traceability of instrumentation to aircraft build records.
Change Control Oversight:
Lead reviews of engineering changes (ECRs, ECOs) affecting instrumentation, wiring, or sensor placement. Adjust schedules accordingly and communicate impacts.
Process Development:
Drive standardization and best practices in I&C planning, scheduling tools, documentation templates, and interdepartmental coordination workflows.
Reporting & Communication:
Provide regular updates to flight test management and program leadership, including dashboards, risk logs, and recovery plans.
Strategic Integration Planning:
Translate complex engineering and test requirements into scalable and executable instrumentation rollout strategies.
Aircraft Test Readiness Assurance:
Ensure all I&C systems are installed, tested, and functionally validated before critical ground and flight test events.
Cross-Disciplinary Leadership:
Serve as the key liaison between engineering, manufacturing, quality, and test ops for all I&C planning activities.
Quality and Configuration Control:
Maintain the integrity of test instrumentation data and ensure consistency between planned and as-installed configurations.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation:
Enhance planning methodologies through lessons learned, feedback loops, and emerging toolsets (e.g., digital twin, automation, smart scheduling).
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering
7+ years of experience in flight test programs, instrumentation planning, or aerospace systems integration
Proven expertise in managing complex, multi-aircraft test schedules
Strong working knowledge of DAQ systems, sensors, flight control interfaces, and aircraft wiring standards
Proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Primavera, SmartSheet, Jira)
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Familiarity with aircraft certification processes and documentation requirements (FAA, EASA, MIL-STD preferred)
Experience in prototype, experimental, or developmental flight test programs (preferred)