Staff / Senior Electrical 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><strong>What You'll Do</strong></p> <ul> <li>Support the design, analysis, integration, and testing of aircraft electrical systems</li> <li>Contribute to the development of electrical system architectures, requirements, and interface definitions</li> <li>Support electrical systems across multiple aircraft domains, including low-voltage and high-voltage power distribution, avionics and mission systems, power electronics, electrical energy storage systems, and electric motors and related equipment</li> <li>Perform trade studies and engineering analyses to support system design decisions</li> <li>Develop, manage, and verify system requirements to meet safety, certification, performance, and program objectives</li> <li>Support supplier selection, technical evaluations, and integration efforts</li> <li>Create and maintain engineering documentation, including requirements, interface definitions, test plans, and design artifacts</li> <li>Participate in design reviews and technical assessments</li> <li>Support laboratory, ground, and flight-test integration activities</li> <li>Troubleshoot electrical system issues and recommend corrective actions</li> <li>Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including propulsion, avionics, systems, structures, manufacturing, and flight test</li> <li>Support certification and compliance activities as required</li> <li>Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes and practices</li> <li>Perform other duties as assigned</li> </ul> <p><strong>What You Bring</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree and 5+ years (Staff) or 8+ years (Senior) of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience</li> <li>Experience developing aerospace, aviation, defense, automotive, energy, or other complex electrical systems</li> <li>Knowledge of electrical system design, integration, and testing methodologies</li> <li>Experience creating and managing technical requirements and interface definitions</li> <li>Familiarity with electrical schematic development and electrical system analysis</li> <li>Experience using electrical test and troubleshooting equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, data acquisition equipment)</li> <li>Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively across internal teams and external partners</li> </ul> <p><strong>Leveling Expectations</strong></p> <p>Final leveling (Staff or Senior) will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, demonstrated skills, and degree of independence and autonomy appropriate for the role.</p> <p>Both levels require a strong foundation in engineering principles and the ability to solve complex technical problems. Differentiation between levels is based on degree of ownership, autonomy, and influence.</p> <ul> <li>Staff Engineer (5+ years): Experienced with frequent application of technical standards, principles, and theories; works under general supervision to solve technical problems of moderate scope and complexity; executes defined scope of work with growing independence; contributes to system integration, supplier coordination, and technical problem-solving</li> <li>Senior Engineer (8+ years): Demonstrates a complete understanding and wide application of engineering principles, theories, and concepts; works under limited direction to solve a wide range of complex technical problems; independently determines and develops approaches to solutions; owns technical scope such as supplier oversight, integration activities, and compliance efforts; drives issue resolution and collaborates effectively with minimal guidance</li> </ul> <p><strong>Bonus Points</strong></p> <ul> <li>Experience with aircraft electrical systems and avionics</li> <li>Experience with hybrid-electric propulsion systems</li> <li>Knowledge of FAA Part 23 certification requirements</li> <li>Familiarity with ARP4754, ARP4761, DO-160, or related aerospace standards</li> <li>Experience with power electronics, batteries, electric motors, or energy storage systems</li> <li>Experience supporting system integration and flight-test programs</li> <li>Proficiency with modeling, simulation, or electrical analysis tools</li> <li>Experience working within a fast-paced product development environment</li> </ul> <p><strong>Compensation </strong></p> <p>$109,000.00-159,000.00 annually. 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, equity participation, and comprehensive benefits.</p> <p><strong>What We Offer</strong></p> <ul> <li>Competitive salary and equity</li> <li>Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance</li> <li>Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays</li> <li>Paid winter break</li> <li>401(k) with immediate vesting</li> <li>Free catered lunches, coffee,