Principal Systems Test Engineer

ELECTRA; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous PTO, sick leave, and companyH

Paid winter break

401(k) with immediate vesting

Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, 

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Electra is seeking a Principal Systems Test Engineer in Manassas, VA to lead the development of ground test infrastructure and instrumentation. You will mentor junior engineers, own lab architecture, and build automated data and test processes to accelerate EL9 certification.

You will oversee software/hardware-in-the-loop labs, instrument systems, and data management, collaborating with internal customers to deliver reliable test results for aerospace programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years experience in systems ground tests and instrumentation.
• U.S. Person preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor development of software and hardware in the loop simulation labs (SIL/HIL) and flight simulators.
• Lead and mentor instrument and data acquisition capabilities for ground and flight test.
• Lead and mentor data management of all testing for use by engineering.
• Build automated test processes requiring interfaces amongst disparate RTOS system models and hardware.
• Serve as a key contact for all ground testing and instrumentation with internal customer organizations.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Ground testing

Instrumentation

Data management

Education

Bachelor’s in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SIL/HIL labs

RTOS

Data acquisition systems

Job description

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

As our Principal Systems Test Engineer, you’ll be the technical lead driving development of Electra’s ground test infrastructure and instrumentation capability. This is a hands‑on leadership role - you’ll mentor junior engineers, own the architecture of our simulation labs, and build the data management and automated test processes that engineering depends on to move the EL9 toward certification.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and mentor development of software and hardware in the loop simulation labs. (ex. hybrid propulsion copper bird; SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators; static and dynamic structural testing)
• Lead and mentor development of instrument and data acquisition capabilities for ground and flight test.
• Lead and mentor data management of all testing for use by engineering.
• Build automated test processes requiring custom interfaces amongst disparate RTOS system models and hardware.
• Serve as a key contact for all ground testing and instrumentation with internal customer organizations.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience. (aerospace/electrical/mechanical preferred)
• 10+ years experience in systems ground tests and instrumentation. Preferably experience with test and evaluation at an aircraft manufacturer.
• U.S. Person 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

$135,000 - $165,000 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.