Principal Flight Physics Engineer

Electra; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with immediate vesting

Free catered lunches at Manassas HQ

Job summary

Electra is seeking a Principal Flight Physics Engineer to lead aerodynamic analysis, design, and testing of our 9-passenger eSTOL aircraft in Manassas, VA. The role emphasizes high-fidelity CFD, data correlation, and performance evaluation for a startup-scale program.

You will drive CFD studies, geometry prep, mesh generation, solver execution, and post-processing, while coordinating across disciplines to inform architectures and interfaces.

Qualifications

• Experience with aerospace CFD solvers and data analysis.
• Strong Python skills for CFD post-processing and automation.
• Familiarity with visualization tools (Paraview) and external flow geometry.

Responsibilities

• Lead aerodynamic data analysis from CFD, wind-tunnel, and flight test results.
• Perform CFD geometry prep, meshing, solver runs, and post-processing.
• Collaborate with structures, controls, propulsion, and systems teams.

Skills

CFD solvers

Python for CFD

Paraview

Flow360/FUN3D

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering

Tools

Pointwise

Job description

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

Electra is actively recruiting a Principal Flight Physics Engineer to lead the aerodynamic analysis, design, and testing of our 9-passenger eSTOL (electric short takeoff and landing), hybrid-electric aircraft. This position focuses on high-fidelity CFD, test data correlation, and performance and design evaluation, and as such is based in Manassas, Virginia.

What You'll Do

• Lead the analysis and synthesis of aerodynamic data from CFD simulations, wind-tunnel experiments, and flight test results to support performance and design evaluations.
• Lead CFD analyses, including geometry preparation, mesh generation, solver execution, and post-processing of results.
• Understand program objectives and requirements to conduct trade studies and define architectures, requirements, and interfaces between systems.
• Lead the design and analysis of test and prototype systems, and provide hands‑on support for test activities.
• Prepare and present gated design reviews to demonstrate the adequacy of the designs and procedures.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams (structures, controls, propulsion, systems) to gather data, integrate insights, and drive informed design decisions.
• Develop and maintain clean documentation of the design process, and mentor other engineers on the team.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Bring

• Hands‑on experience running and interpreting results from aerospace‑focused CFD solvers such as Flow360, FUN3D, or similar high‑fidelity solvers.
• Familiarity with mesh generation in Pointwise or a similar tool for external flows and complex geometry.
• Experience in Python for CFD data analysis, post‑processing, automation, and workflow integration.
• Familiarity with Paraview for visualizing and understanding CFD flow field results.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a startup environment.
• A strong work ethic and the ability to independently meet and lead the areas described in the responsibilities and essential functions.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt well to change.
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field; and
• 10+ years of experience in relevant discipline areas or an equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience.

Bonus Points

• Master’s or PhD degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline, with emphasis on aerodynamics, CFD, or flight physics, strongly desired.
• Knowledge of flight vehicle dynamics, including aerodynamic forces, stability, and control principles.
• Experience with VLM‑based analysis tools such as xRotor or AVL for lower‑order aerodynamic assessment.
• Experience using Flow360 for external aerodynamic simulations, including validating results against test data.
• Strong software development capability in Python (preferred) or MATLAB, including automated post‑processing workflows, custom analysis tools, and data pipelines.
• Familiarity with the aircraft development process, aircraft systems, and FAR Part 23 regulations.

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

$150,000 - $180,000 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 race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.