Autonomy Chief Engineer

Electra.aero; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid winter break

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Electra seeks a highly experienced Autonomy Chief Engineer to lead the design and integration of flight autonomy systems for the EL9 and future products. This role is the primary architect, translating customer use cases into robust, verifiable requirements and architectures.

You will own the development plan, conduct trade studies, guide gate reviews, and collaborate with government certification teams to position the program for FAA and defense airworthiness success.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in flight autonomy or highly automated systems development.
• Ownership of complex autonomous system design and integration.
• Experience with government certification programs (FAA/defense).
• Demonstrated leadership of engineering teams and supplier engagements.

Responsibilities

• Partner with government and program leaders to understand customer needs.
• Develop system requirements and concept of operation.
• Lead supplier engagement and evaluate autonomy components.
• Define autonomy concept of operations, architecture, and integration strategies.
• Lead gate reviews and support certification planning with authorities.

Skills

Flight autonomy experience

Autonomous systems development

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Trade studies

Design reviews

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical engineering, or related field

Tools

AR P4754B

Job description

About Electra

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.

About Electra

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.

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.

The Role

Electra seeks a highly experienced Autonomy Chief Engineer to lead the design and integration of flight autonomy systems on future variants of Electra's flagship nine-passenger EL9 aircraft and other new products. This role will serve as a primary architect and system integrator, with emphasis on understanding the customer use cases to build conviction on the internal requirements before executing the program by maturing the design and partnerships through successful gate reviews.

What You'll Do

Customer and Partner Engagement

• Partner with internal government and commercial programs leaders to deeply understand the real needs of the customers, not just their explicitly stated goals
• Synthesize these inputs to develop system requirements and concept of operation that define what Electra will develop to.
• Assess state of suppliers for various elements of the autonomy architecture including system components, support infrastructure, and data. Lead supplier/partner engagement and selection efforts.
• Support internal and external communication of Electra's autonomy strategy

Technical Integration and Design Maturity

• Define autonomy concept of operations, functional decomposition, and system architecture
• Develop integration strategies aligned with existing EL9 aircraft design
• Evaluate architectures and interfaces for completeness, performance, and integration risk
• Partner with the EL9 PMO to conduct trade studies for autonomous capability enhancements

Requirements Development and Traceability

• Lead the development of requirements for EL9 autonomy system, including both aircraft requirements and non-aircraft associated elements.
• Develop operational plan for the system including training systems, operational specifications, minimum equipment lists, etc.
• Collaborate with product development teams to ensure sound requirements flowdown and traceability.
• Assess verification approaches to confirm practicality and alignment with program objectives.

Gate Review and Development Plan

• Assemble development and test plan for autonomy systems
• Lead gate reviews as design matures
• In collaboration with the Certification Team, support the development of an initial certification strategy with the relevant airworthiness authorities, especially defense authorities.
• Provide recommendations to program leadership.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience ( advanced degree preferred)
• US Persons required
• Extensive experience (typically 12+ years) in flight autonomy or highly automated systems development
• Proven ownership of complex autonomous system design and integration
• Experience supporting or participating in government certification programs, including FAA and/or defense airworthiness processes
• Strong background in formal development processes (e.g., ARP4754B)
• Demonstrated technical leadership of engineering teams and supplier engagements, through direct management and/or senior technical direction
• Experience conducting trade studies and preparing for design reviews
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to deliver clear, actionable technical feedback

Bonus Points

• Pilot certificate preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with development and test planning for ground and flight activities.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading certification activities, including FAA or defense airworthiness.
• Demonstrated mentorship of senior engineers and IPT leads.

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: $175,000 USD - $215,000 USD

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and equity
• 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.