Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

Electra.aero; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity

Medical, dental, and vision

Paid winter break

401(k) with immediate vesting

Free catered lunches

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Electra is seeking a Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer in Manassas, VA to support instrumentation and testing of its hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft. You will lead data acquisition, telemetry, processing, and storage efforts across mechanical, electrical, and software teams.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering and 5+ years of instrumentation experience, with strong collaboration, communication, and independent work skills in a fast-paced test environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical or computer engineering.
• 5+ years designing, integrating, calibrating and troubleshooting aircraft instrumentation.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and sensor characteristics.
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced test environment.

Responsibilities

• Support aircraft Flight Test Instrumentation 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.

Skills

Flight Test Instrumentation

Data Acquisition

Telemetry Systems

Instrumentation Calibration

C++

Python

Collaboration

Test Environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical or computer engineering

Tools

CAN bus

ARINC 429

NI (National Instruments)

ACRA

TTC

Data Acquisition Systems

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

Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer supports the instrumentation and testing of our hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft. This is an incredible hands-on opportunity to support our projects and flight test team.

What You'll Do

• 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.

What You'll Bring

• 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 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.

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: $155,000 USD - $195,000 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.