Senior Systems Test Manager

Electra Aero; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 182,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO and holidays

Winter break

401(k) retirement plan

Free meals

On-site parking

Job summary

Electra Aero in Manassas, VA, is hiring a Senior Systems Test Manager to build Electra's ground systems test and evaluation capability from scratch, with engineering as the primary customer. You’ll own instrumentation, lab infrastructure, and budget/headcount to scale for EL9 certification milestones.

You’ll lead development of hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop labs, drive cross‑functional collaboration, and ensure rigorous testing from concept through qualification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Aerospace or related engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 10 years experience in systems ground tests and instrumentation.
• Experience with test and evaluation at an aircraft manufacturer.
• CAA (FAA/EASA) aircraft certification experience preferred.
• U.S. Person preferred.

Responsibilities

• Stand up the ground systems test and evaluation capability as a service organization with engineering as the primary customer.
• Stand up an instrumentation capability that supports both ground and flight test.
• Lead development of software and hardware in the loop simulation labs.
• Serve as the primary contact for all ground testing and instrumentation with internal customer organizations, including budget and human resources responsibility.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or related engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Xplane

Speedgoat

HBM DAQ

Job description

About Electra

Air travel is about to become something more: more direct, more accessible, and more connected to the places where people live, work and want to be. Every day in the U.S., people make 35 million trips of 50–500 miles, stuck in traffic or routed through crowded hubs. Chances are, you've been one of them. At Electra, we're changing that with the EL9, a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in just 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology opens up thousands of new places to fly, beyond conventional runways, congested airports and long drives. We're backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell and Safran. Operators worldwide have signed intent-to-purchase agreements for the first 2,200 aircraft we produce, and we're moving toward first test flights in 2027.

About Electra

Air travel is about to become something more: more direct, more accessible, and more connected to the places where people live, work and want to be. Every day in the U.S., people make 35 million trips of 50–500 miles, stuck in traffic or routed through crowded hubs. Chances are, you've been one of them. At Electra, we're changing that with the EL9, a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in just 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology opens up thousands of new places to fly, beyond conventional runways, congested airports and long drives. We're backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell and Safran. Operators worldwide have signed intent-to-purchase agreements for the first 2,200 aircraft we produce, and we're moving toward first test flights in 2027.

Getting a new kind of aircraft airborne takes more than ambition. It takes our kind of bold: people who think big while working in the real world. Who move ideas into action and collaborate without silos. Who put people first and make room at the table for everyone. Who challenge one another without diminishing one another.

The Role

As a Senior Systems Test Manager, you'll stand up and lead Electra's ground systems test and evaluation capability from scratch - building it as a service organization with engineering as the primary customer. This is a foundational role: you're not inheriting infrastructure, you're creating it. You'll own everything from instrumentation to simulation labs, and you'll carry full budget and headcount responsibility as you scale the function to meet EL9 certification milestones.

What You'll Do

Development, Planning, and Execution of Ground Test Events:

• Stand up the ground systems test and evaluation capability as a service organization with engineering as the primary customer.
• Stand up an instrumentation capability that supports both ground and flight test.
• Lead 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)
• Serve as the primary contact for all ground testing and instrumentation with internal customer organizations, including budget and human resource responsibility

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelors 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.
• Experience building test and instrument capabilities, not only operating existing capabilities
• CAA (FAA/EASA) aircraft certification experience preferred
• U.S. Person preferred

Bonus Points

Proficiency in: MATLAB, Simulink, Xplane , Speedgoat, HBM DAQ

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: $182,000 USD - $220,000 USD

What We Offer

• 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.