Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer in Manassas

Energy Jobline ZR; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous PTO

Paid winter break

401(k) with immediate vesting

Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks,和

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Electra is seeking a Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer in Manassas to support the instrumentation and testing for our hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft. This hands-on role collaborates with flight test teams to ensure instrumentation readiness and data integrity.

You will work with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to define requirements, calibrate systems, and verify data integrity, contributing to a program aiming for first test flights in 2027.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience designing, integrating, calibrating and troubleshooting aircraft instrumentation.
• Experience with data acquisition systems (e.g. TTC, NI, ACRA).

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.

Skills

Data acquisition

Sensor characteristics

Autonomy

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

CAN bus

ARINC 429

C++

Python

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

About Electra

Air travel is about to become something more: more direct, more accessible, and more connected to the places where people live, work and want to be. Every day in the U.S., people make 35 million trips of 50–500 miles, stuck in traffic or routed through crowded hubs. Chances are, you've been one of them. At Electra, we're changing that with the EL9, a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in just 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology opens up thousands of new places to fly, beyond conventional runways, congested airports and long drives. We're backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell and Safran. Operators worldwide have signed intent-to-purchase agreements for the first 2,200 aircraft we produce, and we're moving toward first test flights in 2027.

Getting a new kind of aircraft airborne takes more than ambition. It takes our kind of bold: people who think big while working in the real world. Who move ideas into action and collaborate without silos. Who put people first and make room at the table for everyone. Who challenge one another without diminishing one another.

Sound like you? Then look beyond what you thought were your own limits, and help us take flight beyond runways.

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.)
• US Person ( or Green Card) .

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

• 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 , , , , , , veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.