Staff Aeroacoustics Engineer

Electra.aero; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 113,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid holidays

401(k) with vesting

Free catered lunches

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Electra is seeking a Staff Aeroacoustics Engineer to lead the development and validation of our noise-prediction toolchain, analyze the EL9’s acoustic footprint, and design noise-reduction features on the aircraft. You will own acoustic analyses across all phases of development, from concept through certification.

This role offers a fast-paced environment in Manassas, VA with backing from industry leaders. You’ll collaborate across CFD, test planning, and the commercial team, mentor contractors,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering; graduate degrees preferred.
• 2+ years in acoustics engineering.
• Strong understanding of electric propulsor performance and aeroacoustics.
• Familiarity with aircraft noise sources and analysis methods.
• Experience with CFD or vortex panel methods.
• Experience with ANOPP2 or PSUWOPWOP or similar tools.
• Familiarity with FAA Part 23/25 acoustic certification requirements.
• Clear communication of technical results.
• Excellent organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead exterior and interior acoustics modeling and analysis.
• Perform noise reduction trade studies including design modifications and flight trajectories.
• Manage contractors and interface with academic partners developing acoustic tools and supporting analyses.
• Support ground and flight test activities, including acoustic testing and data reduction.
• Support Electra's commercial team with customer-specific acoustic analyses.
• Prepare and present at internal technical reviews.

Skills

Acoustics engineering

CFD analysis

Vortex panel methods

Technical communication

Multi-task management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace/Mechanical

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

ANOPP2

PSUWOPWOP

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

Electra is seeking a Staff Aeroacoustics Engineer to lead the development and validation of Electra's noise prediction toolchain, the analysis of the EL9 aircraft acoustic footprint and the design of noise-reduction features on the aircraft. You will own acoustic analyses across all phases of aircraft development, from concept through certification.

What You'll Do

• Lead the development of exterior and interior acoustics modeling and analysis.
• Lead trade studies on noise reduction trades including analysis of design modifications and alternative flight trajectories.
• Manage contractors and interface with academic partners developing acoustic tools and supporting analyses.
• Support ground and flight test activities, including acoustic testing and test planning, data reduction, and test-to-analysis correlation.
• Support Electra's commercial team to perform customer-specific acoustic analyses.
• Prepare and present at internal technical reviews.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master's or Ph.D. degree preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in acoustics engineering.
• Strong understanding of electric propulsor performance and aeroacoustics.
• Strong understanding of aircraft noise sources and analysis methods
• Experience working with CFD or vortex panel methods.
• Experience working with ANOPP2 or PSUWOPWOP or similar tools
• Familiarity with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 acoustic 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.

Bonus Points

• Experience supporting acoustic flight test or ground test.
• 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 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.

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: $113,000 USD - $138,000 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.