Senior Loads & Dynamics Engineer – Vibrations & Acoustics

Electra.aero; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Generous PTO and sick leave

Free catered lunches

401(k) plan with immediate vesting

Job summary

A pioneering aviation company seeks a Senior Loads & Dynamics Engineer to drive the development and analysis of loads and dynamic environments for their hybrid-electric aircraft. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of relevant experience and a solid understanding of structural dynamics, vibrations, and acoustic fundamentals. Responsibilities include leading static and dynamic loads development, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and supporting testing activities. The position is based in Manassas, VA, with an on-site presence strongly preferred and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aircraft loads, structural dynamics, vibrations, or acoustics engineering.
• Proficiency with finite element analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of static, dynamic, vibration, and acoustic loads.
• Own tasks from conceptual definition through detailed analysis.
• Support ground and flight testing activities.

Skills

Aircraft loads development

Structural dynamics

Vibrations

Acoustic fundamentals

Finite element analysis tools

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree

Tools

NASTRAN

FEMAP

HyperMesh

Patran

Job description

About Electra

At Electra, we’re pioneering sustainable aviation through the development of hybrid‑electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing (eSTOL) aircraft designed to transform regional mobility. Our aircraft operate from soccer‑field‑sized spaces, enabling Direct Aviation, a new mode of point‑to‑point air travel that brings communities closer together. Headquartered in Northern Virginia with a location in Switzerland, Electra is building a diverse global team passionate about redefining the future of flight.

Position Overview

Senior Loads & Dynamics Engineer specializing in vibrations and acoustics to lead the development, analysis, and validation of structural loads and dynamic environments for our nine‑passenger EL9 hybrid‑electric aircraft. In this role, you will own critical loads, vibration, and acoustic analyses across all phases of aircraft development, from concept through certification, working closely with airframe, stress, flight physics, test, and propulsion teams to ensure accurate definition of static and dynamic environments, supporting safe, certifiable airframe and systems designs. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer ready to influence architecture‑level decisions on a novel aircraft platform.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Lead the development of static, dynamic, vibration, and acoustic loads for airframe structures, propulsion systems, and installed equipment.
• Own loads and dynamics tasks from conceptual definition through detailed analysis and certification, ensuring alignment with performance, safety, and airworthiness requirements.
• Manage contractors developing loads, flutter, and acoustic data to support overall program objectives.
• Define vibration and acoustic environments (random, sine, shock, and acoustic spectra) for structural sizing, stress analysis, and equipment qualification.
• Perform and support coupled loads analyses (CLA), modal analyses, and frequency response assessments.
• Collaborate closely with airframe design, stress, propulsion, systems, and test teams to ensure accurate translation of loads into structural and system requirements.
• Support ground and flight test activities, including vibration and acoustic testing, data reduction, and test‑to‑analysis correlation.
• Contribute to the development of structural dynamic models (finite element‑based) in support of loads, vibration, and acoustic analysis.
• Prepare and present at internal technical reviews.
• Interface with suppliers to define vibration and acoustic requirements for externally sourced components and systems.
• Continuously improve Electra’s loads, dynamics, and vibroacoustic analysis methods, tools, and processes.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in aircraft loads, structural dynamics, vibrations, or acoustics engineering (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Strong understanding of aircraft loads development, structural dynamics, vibration, and acoustic fundamentals.
• Demonstrated experience developing and applying static and dynamic load cases for structural sizing and certification.
• Proficiency with finite element‑based analysis tools (e.g., NASTRAN, FEMAP, HyperMesh, Patran, or similar).
• Experience defining and interpreting random vibration, sine vibration, shock, and acoustic environments.
• Familiarity with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 structural and dynamic certification requirements.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical results through formal reports, presentations, and cross‑functional discussions.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple analysis efforts in a fast‑paced development environment.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Experience supporting flight test or ground test for vibration and acoustic qualification.
• Background in hybrid‑electric, eSTOL/eVTOL, or advanced aircraft development programs.
• Experience with test analysis correlation and model validation.
• Familiarity with MIL‑STD or RTCA vibration and acoustic standards.
• Experience working directly with suppliers on dynamic environment definition and issue resolution.
• Private pilot license or a strong passion for aviation is a plus.

Location & Additional Information

• Location: Manassas, VA headquarters (on‑site presence strongly preferred).
• Travel: Occasional.

Compensation and Benefits

Electra offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD, and life insurance; generous PTO and sick leave, company holidays, paid winter break, and a 401(k) plan with immediate vesting. Additional perks include free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, drinks, fruit, free parking, and other benefits.

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in a warehouse/aviation and office environment, requiring proper safety precautions. Physical effort may be required in handling light materials, boxes, power tools, prototypes, and equipment. Some fieldwork may be required, working both indoors and outdoors. The maximum lift weight is up to 50 lbs.

Background & Drug Screening

Successful completion of a background check and/or drug screening prior to starting work may be required for this position.

Commitment and EEO Statement

Electra is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply. We are an equal‑opportunity employer without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other factors prohibited by law. Electra will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals. Electra is an E‑Verify employer.