Principal Systems Test Engineer (Aerospace)

Electra.aero; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a Principal Systems Test Engineer based in Manassas, VA. This role involves leading test activities for the company's EL9 aircraft, establishing the test strategy for various aircraft systems, and guiding teams across test environments. Candidates must have at least 15 years of relevant experience, a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or a related field, and a strong background in aircraft systems architecture. The position requires excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in systems testing, integration, or verification of complex aerospace systems.
• Strong understanding of aircraft systems architecture.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of the aircraft‑level systems test strategy.
• Define system‑level test setups according to engineering provided test plans.
• Architect, develop, and optimize test environments.
• Support root‑cause analyses and data‑driven troubleshooting.
• Develop and maintain robust test procedures and documentation.

Skills

Aircraft systems architecture

Test plan development

HIL/SIL environments

Test automation

Data acquisition systems

Written and verbal communication

Collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

JAMA

DOORS

MATLAB

Python

Job description

About Electra At Electra, we’re pioneering sustainable aviation by developing hybrid‑electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft designed to transform regional air mobility, by making air travel more efficient, quieter, and environmentally friendly. Able to operate from soccer field‑sized spaces, our Ultra Short unlocks a new era of aviation through what we call Direct Aviation – the next level of connectivity bringing air travel closer to where we live, work, and play. Headquartered in Northern Virginia, with additional locations in Switzerland, we’re building a diverse team of global professionals passionate about redefining the future of aviation.

Position Overview

Electra is seeking a Principal Systems Test Engineer to lead the evaluation test activities for the company’s flagship EL9 aircraft. This role will define and execute the integrated test strategy for aircraft‑level systems — including propulsion, flight controls, avionics, hybrid‑electric systems—ensuring reliable and safe test operations. The Principal Systems Test Engineer will serve as a technical authority for test setup, execution, and data analysis, while driving Electra’s test capability development and guiding teams across all test lab environments.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Lead the execution of the aircraft‑level systems test strategy, from component level to flight test.
• Define system‑level test setups according to engineering provided test plans.
• Architect, develop, and optimize test environments, including SIL/HIL labs with a focus on automation.
• Collaborate closely with engineering to ensure internal customer needs are met.
• Support root‑cause analyses, failure investigations, and data‑driven troubleshooting across multi‑disciplinary systems.
• Develop and maintain robust test procedures and documentation, including procedures and data management.
• Source test equipment and instrumentation according to requirements defined by engineering in systems and aircraft level test plans.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior test and systems engineers.
• Contribute to the creation and advancement of Electra’s test processes, tools, and best practices.

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in systems testing, integration, or verification of complex aerospace systems, or an equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience.

Required Skills And Qualifications

• Strong understanding of aircraft systems architecture, including propulsion, electrical power systems, avionics, and flight controls.
• Demonstrated expertise in assisting engineering with test plan development.
• Hands‑on experience with HIL/SIL environments, test automation, and data acquisition systems.
• Familiarity with FAA certification processes, system safety assessments, and verification traceability.
• Proficiency with requirements management tools (e.g., JAMA, DOORS) and test data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
• Strong collaboration skills and experience leading technical reviews with cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence technical and program stakeholders.

Desired Skills And Qualifications

• FAA certification experience
• Test engineering experience with hybrid‑electric aircraft, distributed propulsion, or high‑voltage electrical systems.
• Experience with developing or operating large‑scale ground tests (e.g., structural testing, propulsion systems, battery energy storage systems, hardware systems integration labs).
• Knowledge of environmental qualification test standards (DO‑160) and system development standards (e.g., ARP4754A and ARP4761).
• Experience with data acquisition systems (e.g., HBM, IACRA, and similar systems).
• Experience with successfully and efficiently testing through third‑party services providers.

Location & Additional Information

• Location: Headquarters in Manassas, VA. This position will require working at our headquarters full‑time.
• Travel: Travel may be required to assist with third‑party and supplier testing.