Senior Materials, Process, & 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><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 3">The Role</span></span></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-contrast="auto">Electra.aero, a next-gen aerospace technology company, seeks a dynamic and driven Senior Materials, Process, &amp; Test Engineer. This role will lead the development, selection, testing, and certification of advanced materials and processes for Electra's 9-passenger hybrid-electric eSTOL (electric short takeoff and landing) aircraft. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aerospace materials and processes, structural and environmental testing, and certification pathways. This role requires a hands-on engineer who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is excited to shape the materials and processes that enable next-generation aviation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 3">What You'll Do</span> </span></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;" data-contrast="auto">Developing and qualifying new materials, processes, and joining technologies for composite and metallic airframe structures.</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-contrast="auto">Leading material and process specifications, including supplier coordination and approval.</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-contrast="auto">Designing and executing test campaigns (coupon-level through full-scale) to validate performance, safety, and compliance.</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-contrast="auto">Applying knowledge of FAA Part 23 requirements, ASTM standards, and industry best practices for materials and process qualification.</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-contrast="auto">Driving structural and material trade studies to balance weight, manufacturability, durability, and cost.</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-contrast="auto">Supporting failure investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions related to material performance.</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-contrast="auto">Interfacing with suppliers and manufacturing teams to ensure successful process implementation and scale-up.</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-contrast="auto">Preparing and presenting at internal and external design/test reviews to demonstrate compliance and readiness.</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-contrast="auto">Communicating technical information effectively across engineering teams, leadership, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 3">What You Bring</span> </span></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;" data-contrast="auto">Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering (or related STEM discipline).</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-contrast="auto">Minimum 5+ years of experience in aerospace materials and processes, including composite and metallic structures.</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-contrast="auto">Expertise in aerospace material systems (metallic alloys, composites, adhesives, coatings, etc.).</span></li> <li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: he