Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

Electra.aero; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and equity

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays

Paid winter break

401(k) with immediate vesting

Free catered lunches and snacks

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Electra.aero in Manassas, Virginia is seeking a Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer to support the instrumentation and testing of their hybrid-electric aircraft. The role involves managing data acquisition and working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful system integration. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and 5+ years of relevant experience. Benefits include competitive salary, medical insurance, generous PTO, and 401(k) with immediate vesting.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience designing, integrating, calibrating, and troubleshooting aircraft instrumentation.
• Practical experience with standard avionics communication protocols such as CAN bus and ARINC 429.
• Experience developing basic software for process automation.

Responsibilities

• Support aircraft Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) system development.
• Manage aircraft data acquisition, telemetry, processing, and storage.
• Work with teams to establish instrumentation requirements.

Skills

Data acquisition systems experience

Instrumentation design and integration

Sensor characteristics knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Ability to operate independently

Collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering field

Tools

C++

Python

Job description

Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

As Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer, you will support the instrumentation and testing of our hybrid‑electric Ultra Short aircraft, working closely with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to develop, integrate, calibrate, and verify Flight Test Instrumentation systems.

Responsibilities

• Support aircraft Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) system development, integration, calibration/verification, and operation.
• Manage aircraft data acquisition, telemetry, processing, and storage.
• Work with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to establish instrumentation requirements and maintain a Master Parameter List.
• Liaise between engineering, technicians, and the test organization.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, computer engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years’ experience designing, integrating, calibrating, and troubleshooting aircraft instrumentation.
• Experience with data acquisition systems (e.g., TTC, NI, ACRA).
• Experience with sensor characteristics (range, accuracy, frequency response, etc.).
• Ability to operate independently in a fast‑paced test environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a high‑performance team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Bonus Points

• Practical experience with standard avionics communication protocols such as CAN bus and ARINC 429.
• Experience developing basic software for process automation (C++, Python, etc.).
• US Person (Citizen or Green Card) preferred.

Travel

25% of the time may involve travel.

Benefits

• 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, drinks, fruit at headquarters.
• Free on‑site parking.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.