Flight Test Engineer

Electra Aero; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with immediate vesting

Paid time off and holidays

Free catered lunches

Coffee, snacks, and onsite perks

Job summary

Electra is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to support the development and testing of its hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft. This early-stage startup role requires a versatile, fast-moving individual who can work across test activities and adapt to evolving project needs.

You will lead flight test operations, collaborate with engineers and pilots, and ensure compliance with flight manuals and aviation standards in a hands-on environment at our Manassas, VA headquarters.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or related STEM discipline.
• 3+ years of experience leading crewed experimental flight test operations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate.

Responsibilities

• Support flight test operations for the Electra EL-2 aircraft, including instrumentation, planning, execution, and data review.
• Lead flight test activities in Telemetry or onboard experimental aircraft.
• Collaborate with engineers, test pilots, and maintenance to achieve test objectives safely and efficiently.
• Draft and maintain aircraft operational documentation including limitations and the flight manual.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of flight test tools and processes.
• Review FAA regulations and test requirements to draft test plans and hazard analyses for the EL-9 aircraft.
• Support development of a flight test instrumentation plan for the EL-9 aircraft.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Fixed-wing flight test

Aircraft systems

Instrumentation

Problem-solving

Communication

Organization

Attention to detail

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Flight test instrumentation

Job description

About Electra:

At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation by developing hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft designed to transform regional air mobility, by making air travel more efficient, quieter, and environmentally friendly. Able to operate from soccer field-sized spaces, our Ultra Short unlocks a new era of aviation through what we call Direct Aviation - the next level of connectivity bringing air travel closer to where we live, work, and play. Headquartered in Northern Virginia, with additional locations in Switzerland, we're building a diverse team of global professionals passionate about redefining the future of aviation.

Position Overview:

Electra is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to support the development of our hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft. As a startup company, Electra is at an early stage, so this position requires someone versatile who is not afraid to work hard and move fast. As the company will evolve and grow with time, so will this position. This is an incredible "hands-on" opportunity to support our projects and flight test team.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Job Functions:

• Support flight test operations for the Electra EL-2 aircraft, including all aspects of flight test instrumentation, planning, execution, and data review.
• Lead flight test activities either in Telemetry, or onboard experimental aircraft.
• Collaborate with engineers, test pilots, and maintenance team to accomplish test objectives safely and efficiently.
• Draft and maintain aircraft operational documentation including limitations and the flight manual.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of flight test tools and processes.
• Review FAA regulations and test requirements to draft test plans and associated hazard analyses for the Electra EL-9 aircraft.
• Support the development of a flight test instrumentation plan for the Electra EL-9 aircraft.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering (or related STEM discipline).
• 3+ years of experience leading crewed experimental flight test operations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of fixed wing flight test techniques.
• Familiarity with aircraft systems, operations and instrumentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience with Fly-by-wire and HV electrical systems.
• Experience with flight test data reduction including and aerodynamic and propulsion system analysis.
• Familiar with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 23) and operational rules.
• Experience with MATLAB / Simulink.
• Licensed Pilot Preferred.
• US Person (Citizen or Green Card) preferred.

Location: Corporate headquarters in Manassas, VA. This position requires an onsite presence.

Travel: <25%

Salary: Electra's salary range for this position is: $90,000.00- $170,000.00
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.

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 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.