0161 - Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer

Electra.aero; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 264,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company on a mission to revolutionize air travel with Ultra Short aircraft. As a Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer, you will lead the design and integration of critical mechanical systems, ensuring they meet safety and performance standards. This role offers the chance to work with cross-functional teams, mentor junior engineers, and make a significant impact on cutting-edge aviation technology. With a comprehensive benefits package and a dynamic work environment, this position is perfect for those looking to contribute to meaningful projects in the aerospace industry.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Generous PTO

Paid Winter Break

401(k) Plan with Immediate Vesting

Free Catered Lunches

Free Parking

Snacks and Drinks

Diversity and Inclusivity Initiatives

Qualifications

• 12+ years of relevant experience in aircraft mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in CAD and PLM software for design and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of mechanical systems for aircraft.
• Ensure compliance with safety, performance, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Aircraft Mechanical Systems Development

Project Management

Technical Leadership

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD Software

PLM Software

NX

Teamcenter

Job description

Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer

About Electra:

Electra’s next gen mission is to develop Ultra Short aircraft, built for Direct Aviation. We are redefining the next level of connectivity, pioneering direct aviation – without airports, emissions, or noise. Electra’s Ultra Short aircraft will revolutionize air travel by bringing it closer to where we live, work, and play, making new connections possible. This makes a new venture like Electra exciting and fast-paced. Headquartered in Northern Virginia, we're on a quest to build a team of insanely talented people who want to do meaningful work.

Position Overview

Electra is seeking a Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer to lead design, development, and integration of mechanical systems on Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short aircraft. This role will work with cross functional teams (including suppliers) to ensure the mechanical systems meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. This is an incredible opportunity to make a direct impact on a cutting-edge development program.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

1. Lead the design and development of key mechanical systems within the aircraft, such as landing gear, environmental control systems, fuel systems, and other vehicle systems, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
2. Develop design specifications and other documentation for mechanical systems that comply with regulatory standards and internal requirements.
3. Perform performance analysis and simulations to verify that mechanical systems meet or exceed the aircraft’s performance specifications.
4. Provide technical leadership and guidance to a team of engineers and/or suppliers working on mechanical systems, ensuring that designs and analyses are in alignment with project goals and timelines.
5. Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, fostering their technical and professional growth while ensuring that best engineering practices are followed.
6. Prepare, review and/or approve engineering deliverables including analysis, drawings, models, design reviews, and reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with established standards.
7. Ensure the integration of mechanical systems with other subsystems (e.g., avionics, electrical and propulsion systems) meet overall aircraft performance, safety, and operational requirements.
8. Troubleshoot and resolve complex integration issues, working across engineering disciplines to implement solutions.
9. Ensure that mechanical systems meet all relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements, particularly FAA Part 23.
10. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams consisting of engineering, operations, program leadership, suppliers and certification leads, to ensure successful project execution.
11. Oversee procurement processes for mechanical system components, ensuring the quality and cost-effectiveness of materials and equipment.
12. Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline with at least 12 years of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience)

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience with development of aircraft mechanical systems.
• Proficiency with CAD and PLM software, preferably NX and Teamcenter.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards (e.g. SAE ARP4754) and aviation regulations (preferably FAA Part 23).
• Strong project management skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in the development and certification of complex systems.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, team-oriented environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• In-depth experience with certification of aircraft systems on a FAA Part 23 aircraft program.
• Experience across the full life-cycle development of aircraft systems, from initial design and analysis to testing, certification, and operational monitoring.
• Private pilot certificate.
• Expert-level understanding of mechanical system processes, procedures, and analytical methods.

Location:

Headquarters in Manassas, VA. To encourage close collaboration this position is strongly preferred to be on-site.

Travel: <25%

Salary: Electra’s overall salary range for this level is: $104,000.00-$264,000.00. 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.