1099 consultant · ~120–600 hrs per funded award · $60–$95/hr · Remote (U.S.)

Scientific Instrumentation & Test Engineer

Design and run the instrumentation behind our test and sensing work: detectors, optics, sensors, data acquisition and calibration for ground tests, vehicles and lab experiments.

About Precision Federal

Precision Federal is a small business building AI, data and software systems for government agencies. The company’s founder loves God, and the company is built on Christian faith: every number we publish is real, every claim we make is verifiable, and the work is done with excellence as service to God. Faith is welcome here and openly shared.

How this role works

You join the bench. You apply with your hourly rate, weekly hours and start time, and we may name you on proposals that match this role. If we don't win, you owe nothing.
A contract is awarded. The award funds the team named in the proposal. Your engagement begins at the hourly rate we agreed on.
You work remote, paid from the contract. ~120–600 hrs per funded award — and if no award ever funds, you owe nothing and lose nothing.

What you'll do

Select, integrate and calibrate detectors, optical systems and sensors
Build data acquisition systems with correct sampling, synchronization and uncertainty budgets
Plan instrumentation for ground tests, including high-temperature and high-speed flow tests
Calibrate vehicle and field sensors and document traceable test procedures

Required qualifications

Degree in physics or electrical, mechanical or aerospace engineering
5+ years designing or running instrumentation and data acquisition for tests
U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (U.S. person)
Willing to be named on a federal proposal with a one-page resume, and to sign a short letter of commitment

Preferred qualifications

Hypersonic, wind tunnel or propulsion ground test experience
NI LabVIEW, DAQ hardware or FPGA-based acquisition
Metrology, measurement uncertainty or ISO/IEC 17025 calibration practice

Compensation & structure

1099 consulting engagement. $60–$95 per hour; you tell us the rate you are asking when you apply. Hours are funded by federal contract awards — this seat is scoped at roughly 120–600 hours per funded award, fully remote. Work and pay begin only if the contract is awarded — no award, no hours, no obligation.

Join the bench — Scientific Instrumentation & Test Engineer

Every application is read.

This is a bench, not a job offer. Work starts when we win a contract that needs you.
We may name you on proposals. If that contract is awarded, you do the role at the rate and hours we agree on.
Paid hourly as a 1099 contractor; full-time roles may be W-2. If your background fits, we will email you.

First name *

Last name *

Email *

Phone *

Work authorization *

LinkedIn or portfolio link

What state do you live in? *

Resume (PDF or Word) *

Questions

Answer from your own experience. A few sentences each is plenty; be specific and tell us what you did yourself.

1. Cover letter. In your own words, tell us about yourself: your background, the work you do best, the values that guide your work, and why this role interests you. *

2. Describe the instrumentation or test project most like this role: the test article, the sensors, your role and the result. *

3. Which sensors, DAQ systems, software and calibration methods have you used hands-on? For how long? *

Rate and availability

Your hourly rate (USD) *

Target rate: $60–$95 an hour.

Hours per week you could give on an awarded contract *

If you are named and we win in the next 12 months, how soon could you start? *

May we name you on proposals for this role, and if we win, will you do the work at the rate we agree on? *

Precision Federal was founded on Christian values. Our faith in God shapes how we work: we talk openly about faith, and we share fellowship together. Taking part is always voluntary. As we get to know you, you’re always welcome to share your own faith with us.

Questions? careers@precisionfederal.com · See all open roles