Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous PTO and holidays

Paid winter break

401(k) with immediate vesting

Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks,

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Electra in Manassas, VA seeks a Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer to support instrumentation and testing of the Ultra Short aircraft. This hands-on role interfaces with the flight test team to develop, integrate, calibrate and operate the FTIs, and to manage data acquisition, telemetry and storage.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in aircraft instrumentation, experience with TTC/NI/ACRA data systems, sensor characterization, and strong teamwork with excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 5+ years designing, integrating, calibrating and troubleshooting aircraft instrumentation.
• Experience with data acquisition systems such as TTC, NI, ACRA.
• Knowledge of sensor range, accuracy and frequency response.
• Ability to operate independently in fast-paced test environments.
• Strong collaboration with a high-performance team and clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Support Flight Test Instrumentation system development, integration, calibration, verification and operation.
• Manage aircraft data acquisition, telemetry, processing and storage.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical and software engineers to define instrumentation requirements.
• Act as liaison between engineering, technicians and the test organization.

Skills

5+ years experience

Data acquisition systems

Sensor characteristics knowledge

Independent work in test environment

Team collaboration

Excellent communication

Education

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

Tools

Data acquisition systems (TTC, NI, ACRA)

Job description

Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

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

The 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.)

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 - $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.