Senior Instrumentation Engineer

Electra.aero; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health Insurance

PTO / vacation time

Winter break

401(k)

Free catered meals / snacks

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Electra is seeking a Senior Instrumentation Engineer to design, build, and maintain instrumentation and data acquisition systems for ground and flight test programs supporting the EL9 certification path. This hands-on role offers high visibility and requires close collaboration with the Systems Test Manager and flight test teams.

You will lead sensor selection, DAS implementation, calibration, and data quality assurance to meet certification standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or related engineering (aerospace, electrical, or mechanical preferred).
• 8+ years of instrumentation and data acquisition experience in aerospace ground or flight test.
• Hands-on experience with sensor selection, signal conditioning, and DAS hardware (e.g., Curtiss-Wright, Amphenol, HBK).
• Proficiency with instrumentation software and data processing tools (MATLAB, Python).
• Experience developing instrumentation plans and test procedures for FAA/EASA certification programs.
• Strong understanding of avionics, propulsion, or structural test environments.
• U.S. Person (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required.

Responsibilities

• Design, install, and maintain sensor systems and data acquisition for ground and flight tests.
• Develop data acquisition architectures across avionics, propulsion, structures, and flight controls.
• Define instrumentation requirements with teams to meet certification standards.
• Develop calibration procedures and ensure traceability of instrumentation.
• Support SIL/HIL lab development with instrumentation integration.
• Troubleshoot anomalies during ground and flight tests in real time.
• Document designs, configurations, and test procedures for FAA certification.

Skills

Instrumentation expertise

Data acquisition

Test engineering

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or related engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

DAS hardware

Job description

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.

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

As our Senior Instrumentation Engineer, you'll design, build, and maintain the instrumentation and data acquisition systems that power Electra's ground and flight test programs. This is a hands‑on technical role with high visibility - the quality of your work directly determines the quality of the data engineering relies on to advance the EL9 toward FAA Part 23 certification. You'll work closely with the Systems Test Manager and flight test team to stand up a capability built for a certification program, not adapted from one.

What You’ll Do

• Design, install, and maintain sensor systems, signal conditioning hardware, and data acquisition systems for ground and flight test applications.
• Develop and manage data acquisition architectures that capture test data across avionics, propulsion, structural, and flight control systems.
• Collaborate with test and engineering teams to define instrumentation requirements and ensure data quality meets certification standards.
• Develop calibration procedures and maintain traceability of all instrumentation systems.
• Support SIL/HIL lab development with instrumentation integration and signal interface design.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation anomalies in real time during ground and flight test operations.
• Document instrumentation designs, configurations, and test procedures to support FAA certification activities.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience (aerospace, electrical, or mechanical preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in instrumentation and data acquisition for aerospace ground or flight test programs.
• Hands‑on experience with sensor selection, signal conditioning, and DAS hardware (e.g., Curtiss-Wright, Amphenol, HBK, or similar).
• Proficiency with instrumentation software and data processing tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).
• Experience developing instrumentation plans and test procedures in support of CAA (FAA/EASA) certification programs preferred.
• Strong understanding of avionics, propulsion, or structural test environments.
• S. Person (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required.

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: $115,000 USD - $140,000 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.