Autonomy Chief Engineer

Electra.aero; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and equity

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous PTO and holidays

401(k) with immediate vesting

Free catered lunches and snacks

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Electra.aero in Manassas, VA is seeking an experienced Autonomy Chief Engineer to lead the design and integration of flight autonomy systems for their innovative aircraft. This role involves collaboration across engineering and certification teams to ensure successful product delivery.

The successful candidate must possess a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field, alongside 12+ years of experience in flight autonomy or highly automated systems development. Strong communication skills and technical leadership are essential. Competitive salary, benefits, and a culture of inclusivity await.

Qualifications

• Typically 12+ years in flight autonomy or highly automated systems development.
• Experience with government certification programs (FAA and/or defense).
• Demonstrated technical leadership of engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and integration of flight autonomy systems.
• Define system architecture and develop integration strategies.
• Manage technical relationships with external partners.

Skills

Extensive experience in flight autonomy

Proven ownership of complex autonomous system design

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

Formal development processes (e.g., ARP4754B)

Job description

About Electra

At Electra, we’re building hybrid‑electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft that redefine regional air travel. Our technology enables aircraft to take off and land in soccer‑field‑sized spaces, unlocking thousands of new operating locations and enabling what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, efficient, point‑to‑point travel closer to where people live and work. A global company headquartered in Manassas, VA, with additional operations in Switzerland, Electra is backed by industry leaders and is advancing toward certification. We’re a growing team of innovators working at the forefront of sustainable aviation—every hire plays a critical role in shaping the future of flight.

The Role

Electra is seeking a highly experienced Autonomy Chief Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of flight autonomy systems for future variants of our flagship nine‑passenger EL9 aircraft and other next‑generation products. This is a highly visible technical leadership role where you will act as the primary architect and integrator for autonomy systems, driving design maturity, defining requirements, engaging suppliers, and preparing the program for key gate and certification milestones. You’ll partner closely with engineering, program leadership, and certification teams to bring advanced autonomy capabilities from concept through validation.

What You’ll Do

• 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
• Lead development of autonomy system requirements across aircraft and supporting systems
• Ensure high‑quality requirements flowdown, traceability, and configuration control
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to validate requirements alignment with program goals
• Assess verification strategies for feasibility and effectiveness
• Evaluate supplier landscape across autonomy systems, infrastructure, and data
• Lead supplier selection, engagement, and downselect activities
• Manage technical relationships with external partners
• Develop autonomy system development, integration, and test plans
• Lead technical gate reviews as design matures
• Support certification strategy development in partnership with Certification teams, including FAA and defense authorities
• Provide technical recommendations and insights 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Pilot certificate
• Experience with ground and flight test planning and execution
• Demonstrated mentorship of senior engineers and Integrated Product Team (IPT) leads

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

Travel

Up to 25% for supplier engagement, integration efforts, and program reviews.

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.

Background & Drug Screening

Successful completion of a background check and/or drug screening prior to starting work may be required for this position.

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. 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.