A sensor mounting device and method to accurately mount a sensor to a test asset for data collection and component validation, the sensor mounting device including a leveling plate equipped with a level indicator, an alignment shelf adapted to constrain the movement of a sensor and hold the sensor level relative to the level indicator, and various protruding structures for aligning the mounting device with the test asset. The sensor mounting device may further include a base structure to support the leveling plate and allow a user to adjust the vertical position of the sensor to be mounted. The base structure may include a plurality of spanning members on which the leveling plate is mounted as to allow the leveling plate to be adjusted vertically.