V-22 Flight Test Instrumentation Technician (Patuxent River, MD)

We’re more than aviation experts, we’re pioneers. We challenge what’s possible. From breaking the sound barrier to advanced tiltrotor systems. Today, Bell is shaping the future of aviation through specialized engineering. And we want you.

We are developing the future of Army Aviation with the Bell V-280 Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), part of the US Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) modernization effort. We are also developing the Bell 525 Relentless, Bell’s Autonomous Pod Transport (APT), and Bell's High-Speed Vertical Take-Off and Landing (HSVTOL) program, a next generation stop-fold tilt-rotor.

Bell Flight is seeking a Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) Technician to support the testing and development of product improvements for USMC and USN V-22 tiltrotor aircraft at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station located at Patuxent River, Maryland.

Bring your experience and ideas and be part of the dynamic group that is leading the future of vertical lift. The Flight Test Instrumentation Technician team at Bell is responsible for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the Data Acquisition Systems required for safe execution of all development and certification test activities for civil and military programs. Working alongside likeminded talent, you’ll be able to hone your technical abilities on engineering problems, gaining experience in leadership and communication while playing a significant role in propelling Bell forward as the leading edge in innovative future product development.

What you’ll be doing as a Flight Test Instrumentation Technician

As a FTI Technician, you will be a vital part of an Integrated Product Team (IPT) working alongside test directors, discipline engineers, instrumentation engineers, and test pilots to plan and execute multiple projects within established flight test guidelines to achieve safe flight operations involving telemetered parameters for real-time data monitoring and collection for post-test analysis. Those projects will include executing installation of instrumentation systems onboard test aircraft, supporting calibration and check out of support hardware, and maintaining / troubleshooting the systems throughout the test program. You will be able to hone your technical abilities on significant engineering problems, all while gaining experience in leadership and communication.

• Fabricate, maintain, and operate an Airborne Data Acquisition Systems (ADAS) used to support flight and ground test activities. Troubleshoot and upgrade all related instrumentation systems.

• Perform daily Instrumentation preflight checks and ADAS software loads to ensure data system quality and accuracy.

• Provide guidance to Electricians and Mechanics on Instrumentation related installations and/or repairs.

• Fabricate electrical boxes used within the ADAS or to simulate and validate data.

• Maintain inventory for Flight Test Instrumentation equipment to ensure accurate up-to-date information, and create trouble reports for all hardware in need of repair.

• Document work performed on RFAs, in Electronic Workbook, and through daily written tie-ins.

• Adhere to Bell’s best practices and procedures to ensure quality and safe data acquisition and operations.

Skills You Bring To this Role:

• Ability to read and understand electrical drawings.

• Ability to prioritize work, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, good interpersonal and organizational skills, along with a team player mindset.

• Ability to climb onto ladders, platforms, etc., to access instrumentation installed on the aircraft.

• Ability to perform minor hardware modification or sheet metal fabrication.

• Experience in fabricating cables, including terminating connectors, and soldering. Current, or previously attained, J-STD-001 certification preferred.

• A solid understanding of the principles of electronics, including voltage, current, resistance, impedance, and power.

• Experience with using basic and advanced lab hardware (signal generators, oscilloscopes, analyzers, power meters, etc.,)

• Should be skilled with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

What you need to be successful:

We are looking for inquisitive and driven technicians, with a passion towards innovation.

• Associate’s degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related Field; a demonstrated proficiency in a flight test instrumentation or avionics technician role may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Minimum 1 year of experience required in a relevant field.

• Must be able to work overtime as required in the Flight Test environment.

• Must be able to travel up to 25% of the time, as needed, to support short term (up to two months) off-site assignments at other locations.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD SECRET security clearance: This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. The ITAR / EAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., ‘Green Card Holder’), Political Asylee, or Refugee. Non-U.S. persons selected must meet eligibility requirements for access to export-restricted information.

In compliance with the local pay transparency law, the hourly pay range for this position is below.
$39.90 - $52.88

What we offer you in return:

• 80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO)

• 120 hours Vacation time

• 12-13 paid holidays per year

• 6 weeks parental leave

• Tuition reimbursement

• Competitive salary

• Comprehensive health insurance

• Access to more than 11 Employee Resource Groups

• And so much more

It’s time to make your mark on the future of aviation. Join us on this mission, and let’s make history together.

We are on a journey to amplify innovation, cultivate purpose and bridge experiences by fostering a culture that is driven by unique perspectives, voices and values.