0142 - Lead Flight Test Engineer

About Electra

Electra is a new aerospace company that is developing and manufacturing hybrid-electric aircraft to advance urban and regional mobility. Our mission is to decarbonize aviation with clean, quiet, environmentally friendly airplanes that can operate without conventional runways, and we are backed by some of the biggest players in aerospace. Our world-class team of engineers isn’t afraid to disrupt the status quo, and we plan to change the world with modern ideas that challenge conventional thinking. Electra is headquartered in Northern Virginia.
We are looking for people who are flexible, forward-thinking, and willing to go the extra mile to achieve shared team goals. Electra.aero offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation package, including health benefits, generous PTO, a 401(k) match, bonus opportunities, and more!

Lead Flight Test Engineer
As a startup company, Electra is at an early stage, so this position requires a versatile person who is not afraid to work hard and move fast. As the company will evolve and grow with time, so will this job.  Our Lead Flight Test Engineer supports the development of our eSTOL (electric short takeoff and landing) aircraft development.  This is an incredible "hands-on" opportunity to support our projects and aircraft prototyping team.
Responsibilities

• Manage flight test operations for the Electra EL-2 aircraft, including all aspects of flight test instrumentation, data collection, test planning, and test execution.
• Maintain flight procedures and operating handbooks for flight operations.
• Lead the development of the flight test control room.
• Develop the flight test instrumentation plan and lead flight test operations for the Electra EL-3 aircraft.
• Managing functional and physical interfaces between the flight test instrumentation system and the vehicle.
• Leading verification activities (including analysis and testing) for the flight test instrumentation system.
• Understanding program objectives and requirements to conduct trade studies and define architectures, requirements, and subsystem interfaces.
• Preparing and presenting at gated design reviews to demonstrate the adequacy of the design.

• B.S. in Aerospace or Computer Science Engineering (or related STEM discipline) and
• 6 or more years of experience in relevant discipline areas (or an equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience).

• Experience in fixed-wing flight test operations for experimental aircraft.
• A strong work ethic and ability to independently meet and lead the areas described by the responsibilities and essential functions.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience working on prototype development programs.
• Experience with flight test operations of electric aircraft.
• Experience with flight test data reduction and aerodynamic and propulsion system analysis.
• Experience with MATLAB / Simulink.
• US Person (Citizen or Green Card) Preferred.
• Licensed Pilot Preferred.

Location: Headquarters in Manassas, VA. To encourage close collaboration, this position requires an onsite presence.
Travel: <25%


Salary: Electra’s salary range for this position is: $81,****** – 181,******
Our salary ranges reflect the minimum and maximum range for the Company level overall across all locations & projects and does not necessarily reflect the budgeted amount for this position.  Individual pay is based on additional factors, including project budgets, job-related skills, experience, relevant education and/or training, role, level, location, and project.

Compensation and Benefits:

In addition to offering an exciting work environment and the opportunity to be part of the team making Ultra Short flight a reality, at Electra, we offer an unparalleled total rewards package. Electra offers employees a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD, and life insurance, generous PTO and sick leave, company holidays, paid winter break, and a 401(k) plan with immediate vesting. Life at Electra includes a variety of perks, such as free catered lunches, amazing coffee, snacks, drinks, fruit, free parking, and opportunities for much more.

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in a warehouse/aviation and office environment, which requires proper safety precautions. Work may require some physical effort in handling light materials, boxes, power tools, prototypes, and different materials or equipment. Due to the nature of our business and projects, some fieldwork may be required, working in both indoor and outdoor conditions. You may need to lift up to 50 lbs.

Commitment

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those from marginalized or underrepresented groups in the tech industry and aerospace, to apply for our job openings. We firmly believe that a diverse range of perspectives can profoundly influence both our product and our company culture.

Electra is committed to a work environment that is inclusive to all and free of discrimination. It is our policy to be an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other factors prohibited by law. Electra will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.

Electra is an E-Verify employer.