Associate Mechanical Engineer

Electra; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Free lunches

Free parking

Job summary

Electra in Manassas, VA is seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineer to help design, develop and test our EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft. You’ll work with a small team of engineers to translate requirements into hardware from concept through build and test, gaining broad hands-on experience in a fast-paced startup environment.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering and 0–2 years of relevant experience, including internships or co-ops.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 0–2 years of relevant experience, including internships, co-ops, or student design team projects.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and systems for the EL9 aircraft and test articles.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models and drawings using GD&T.
• Perform hand calculations and analyses to support design decisions (structural, thermal, tolerance).
• Assist with build, installation, and test of prototype and flight hardware; troubleshoot on shop floor and lab.
• Support trade studies, design reviews, and documentation to prove design adequacy.
• Collaborate with structures, propulsion, systems, controls, manufacturing to define interfaces and integrate hardware.
• Coordinate with suppliers: part procurement, drawing reviews, and incoming inspection.
• Maintain documentation and configuration control of designs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

0-2 years exp

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Air travel is about to become something more: more direct, more accessible, and more connected to the places where people live, work and want to be. Every day in the U.S., people make 35 million trips of 50–500 miles, stuck in traffic or routed through crowded hubs. Chances are, you’ve been one of them. At Electra, we’re changing that with the EL9, a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in just 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology opens up thousands of new places to fly, beyond conventional runways, congested airports and long drives. We’re backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell and Safran. Operators worldwide have signed intent-to-purchase agreements for the first 2,200 aircraft we produce, and we’re moving toward first test flights in 2027.

Getting a new kind of aircraft airborne takes more than ambition. It takes our kind of bold: people who think big while working in the real world. Who move ideas into action and collaborate without silos. Who put people first and make room at the table for everyone. Who challenge one another without diminishing one another.

Sound like you? Then look beyond what you thought were your own limits, and help us take flight beyond runways.

The Role

Electra is actively recruiting an Associate Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and testing of our hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft, the EL9 Ultra Short. As a startup, Electra is at an early stage, so this position requires a versatile person who is not afraid to work hard and move fast. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers to turn requirements into hardware, from early concepts through detailed design, build, and test. As the company grows, so will this job. This position is in Manassas, VA.

What You’ll Do

• Support the design and development of mechanical components, assemblies, and systems for the EL9 aircraft and associated test articles
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models and detailed drawings, applying GD&T and company drawing standards
• Perform hand calculations and basic analyses (e.g., structural, thermal, tolerance stack-ups) to support design decisions
• Support build, installation, and test of prototype and flight hardware, including troubleshooting and resolving issues on the shop floor and in the lab
• Assist with trade studies, design reviews, and documentation to demonstrate the adequacy of designs
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (structures, propulsion, systems, controls, manufacturing) to define interfaces and integrate hardware
• Support supplier interactions, including part procurement, drawing reviews, and incoming inspection
• Maintain clean, organized documentation and configuration control of your designs
• Other duties as assigned

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 0–2 years of relevant experience, including internships, co-ops, or student design team projects

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.

Compensation Range

$87,000 - $106,000 USD

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
• Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
• Paid winter break
• 401(k) with immediate vesting
• Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
• Free on-site parking

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 by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.