Senior / Principal Flight Physics Engineer

Electra.aero; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free catered lunches

Free on-site parking

401(k)

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

PTO

Paid winter break

Equity

Job summary

Electra seeks a Senior/Principal Flight Physics Engineer in Manassas, VA to lead aerodynamic and flight physics model development, validation, and certification for the EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft.

You will collaborate with structures, controls, propulsion, and certification teams; perform CFD analyses; develop Python automation; and contribute to SRR, PDR, CDR, and gate reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience in aerodynamics, CFD, flight sciences, aircraft performance, or related aerospace engineering disciplines.
• Demonstrated capability generating high-quality aerodynamic meshes in Pointwise for external aerodynamic analyses and complex aircraft configurations
• Hands-on experience running and interpreting results from aerospace-focused CFD solvers such as Flow360, FUN3D, or comparable high-fidelity CFD tools
• Strong Python programming skills for analysis, automation, workflow integration, and CFD post-processing
• Experience using ParaView or similar visualization tools for aerodynamic flow field analysis
• Strong understanding of: Aerodynamics, Flight vehicle dynamics, Aircraft stability and control, Aircraft performance
• Experience with lower-order aerodynamic analysis tools such as AVL, xRotor, or other VLM-based methods
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to multidisciplinary audiences
• Experience working within collaborative aircraft development teams
• Strong documentation, organization, and technical communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly integrated startup environment

Responsibilities

• Analyze and synthesize aerodynamic data from flight testing, wind tunnel testing, CFD simulations, and analytical models to support aircraft design and performance evaluations
• Lead or support the design and development of prototype systems, test articles, and validation efforts related to aircraft aerodynamics and flight physics
• Perform end-to-end CFD analyses: geometry preparation, mesh generation, solver setup, convergence, post-processing
• Conduct sensitivity studies related to aircraft performance, stability, control, and aerodynamic characteristics
• Develop, validate, and improve aerodynamic and performance prediction methods across all phases of flight
• Present technical analyses and recommendations at gated program reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and certification reviews
• Develop program-level objectives, requirements, architectures, and interface definitions to support aircraft development activities
• Support aircraft design trades by providing technical assessments of performance, aerodynamic efficiency, mass impact, risk, and certification considerations
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including structures, propulsion, controls, systems, and certification engineering
• Develop automated analysis tools, workflows, and post-processing capabilities using Python or similar tools
• Support correlation and validation of aerodynamic models against test data and flight test results
• Create and maintain high-quality engineering documentation, reports, and technical presentations

Skills

Aerodynamics

CFD

Flight dynamics

Python programming

Data analysis

Technical communication

Airframe design understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Pointwise

Flow360

FUN3D

ParaView

AVL

xRotor

Other CFD tools

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.

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 a Senior/Principal Flight Physics Engineer, you will lead the development, analysis, and validation of aerodynamic and flight physics models that support the design, performance, stability, control, and certification of Electra's hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft.

This role is highly multidisciplinary, requiring deep expertise in aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), aircraft performance, and flight vehicle dynamics. You will work closely with structures, controls, systems, propulsion, flight test, and certification teams to drive data-informed design decisions and mature the aircraft through development, testing, and certification.

The ideal candidate is a technically strong aerospace engineer who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment, is comfortable taking ownership of complex technical challenges, and enjoys collaborating across disciplines to develop innovative aircraft solutions.

What You'll Do

• Analyze and synthesize aerodynamic data from flight testing, wind tunnel testing, CFD simulations, and analytical models to support aircraft design and performance evaluations
• Lead or support the design and development of prototype systems, test articles, and validation efforts related to aircraft aerodynamics and flight physics
• Perform end-to-end CFD analyses, including:
  • Geometry preparation
  • Mesh generation
  • Solver setup and execution
  • Solution convergence assessment
  • Post-processing and interpretation of results
• Conduct sensitivity studies related to aircraft performance, stability, control, and aerodynamic characteristics
• Develop, validate, and improve aerodynamic and performance prediction methods across all phases of flight
• Present technical analyses and recommendations at gated program reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and certification reviews
• Develop program-level objectives, requirements, architectures, and interface definitions to support aircraft development activities
• Support aircraft design trades by providing technical assessments of performance, aerodynamic efficiency, mass impact, risk, and certification considerations
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including structures, propulsion, controls, systems, and certification engineering
• Develop automated analysis tools, workflows, and post-processing capabilities using Python or similar tools
• Support correlation and validation of aerodynamic models against test data and flight test results
• Create and maintain high-quality engineering documentation, reports, and technical presentations

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Experience in aerodynamics, CFD, flight sciences, aircraft performance, or related aerospace engineering disciplines
• Demonstrated capability generating high-quality aerodynamic meshes in Pointwise for external aerodynamic analyses and complex aircraft configurations
• Hands-on experience running and interpreting results from aerospace-focused CFD solvers such as Flow360, FUN3D, or comparable high-fidelity CFD tools
• Strong Python programming skills for analysis, automation, workflow integration, and CFD post-processing
• Experience using ParaView or similar visualization tools for aerodynamic flow field analysis
• Strong understanding of:
  • Aerodynamics
  • Flight vehicle dynamics
  • Aircraft stability and control
  • Aircraft performance
• Experience with lower-order aerodynamic analysis tools such as AVL, xRotor, or other VLM-based methods
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to multidisciplinary audiences
• Experience working within collaborative aircraft development teams
• Strong documentation, organization, and technical communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly integrated startup environment

Bonus Points

• Master's or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with emphasis in aerodynamics, CFD, flight physics, or flight sciences
• Experience using Flow360 CFD for external aerodynamic simulations and validating results against experimental or flight test data
• Advanced software development capabilities in Python (preferred) or MATLAB
• Experience developing:
  • Automated post-processing workflows
  • Custom analysis tools
  • Engineering software pipelines
• Experience supporting aircraft development programs from conceptual design through certification
• Familiarity with aircraft systems and multidisciplinary aircraft design processes
• Working knowledge of FAR Part 23 certification requirements
• Experience supporting advanced air mobility, eSTOL, eVTOL, or hybrid-electric aircraft programs
• U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder) preferred

Leveling Expectations

Level (Senior or Principal) will be determined based on the candidate's experience, technical depth, demonstrated leadership, and degree of influence across the organization.

Both levels require strong expertise in aerodynamics, flight physics, CFD analysis, and aircraft development. Differentiation between levels is based on technical leadership, strategic influence, ownership of critical programs, and ability to shape engineering direction.

Senior Flight Physics Engineer (8+ Years)

• Demonstrates broad expertise in aerodynamics, CFD, aircraft performance, and flight vehicle dynamics
• Independently executes complex analyses and develops solutions to challenging technical problems
• Leads aerodynamic studies, CFD campaigns, and aircraft performance assessments
• Supports major design reviews, certification activities, and multidisciplinary trade studies
• Develops and validates analysis methodologies and engineering tools
• Provides technical guidance to junior engineers and cross-functional teams
• Drives issue resolution and technical decision-making with limited oversight
• Contributes significantly to aircraft architecture and design decisions

Principal Flight Physics Engineer (10+ Years)

• Recognized subject matter expert in aerodynamics, flight physics, and aircraft design
• Establishes technical vision, methodologies, and best practices for aerodynamic and flight physics disciplines
• Leads the most critical aircraft performance, stability, control, and aerodynamic development efforts
• Serves as a key technical authority influencing aircraft architecture, certification strategy, and program direction
• Develops novel analytical approaches and validation methods for advanced aircraft configurations
• Mentors senior engineers and helps shape organizational technical capability
• Directly influences program-level decisions through deep technical expertise and strategic insight
• Represents Electra in discussions with regulators, external partners, suppliers, and industry stakeholders
• Drives cross-functional alignment on highly complex technical challenges impacting aircraft performance and certification

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: $130,000 USD - $180,000 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.