Principal Systems Test Engineer

About the company

Electra develops hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft with distributed electric propulsion and blown lift, turbine genset in-flight recharging, carrying 7–9 passengers or ~3,000 lb from very short unimproved runways.

About this role

<div class="content-intro"><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>About Electra</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">At Electra, we’re building the EL9 — a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We’re a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage — and this role is no exception.</span></p></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>The Role</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As our Principal Systems Test Engineer, you'll be the technical lead driving development of Electra's ground test infrastructure and instrumentation capability. This is a hands-on leadership role - you'll mentor junior engineers, own the architecture of our simulation labs, and build the data management and automated test processes that engineering depends on to move the EL9 toward certification.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What You'll Do</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lead and mentor development of software and hardware in the loop simulation labs. (ex. hybrid propulsion copper bird; SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators; static and dynamic structural testing)</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lead and mentor development of instrument and data acquisition capabilities for ground and flight test.</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lead and mentor data management of all testing for use by engineering.</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Build automated test processes requiring custom interfaces amongst disparate RTOS system models and hardware.</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Serve as a key contact for all ground testing and instrumentation with internal customer organizations.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What You'll Bring</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bachelor's in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience. (aerospace/electrical/mechanical preferred)</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">10+ years experience in systems ground tests and instrumentation. Preferably experience with test and evaluation at an aircraft manufacturer.</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">CAA (FAA/EASA) aircraft certification experience preferred</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">U.S. Person preferred</span></li> </ul><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="description"><p>This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.</p></div><div class="title">Compensation Range</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$135,000</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$165,000 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What We Offer</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Competitive salary and equity</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paid winter break</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">401(k) with immediate vesting</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Free on-site parking</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><em>Electra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected