Staff/Senior Mass Properties Engineer

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 matter at this stage - and this role is no exception.

The Role

Electra is seeking a Staff/Senior Mass Properties Engineer to support the development of our EL9 Ultra Short aircraft. This is an incredible opportunity to make a direct impact on a cutting-edge development program.

What You'll Do

• Support the mass properties control and management execution across for the EL9 program.

• Conduct advanced design weight estimation to develop preliminary weight estimates to support advanced design proposals, prototyping efforts, trade studies, etc.

• Develop current and forecasted weight, balance, and mass properties data.

• Perform estimation, calculation, and measurement/verification of mass, center of gravity, and inertias of components, assemblies and completed systems.

• Develop mass properties processes and tools to be implemented across Electra.

• Coordinate with SMEs across the program to understand weight impacts of design decisions.

• Support the development and presentation of weight status or technical data to design teams and program leadership.

• Review and support detail and installation drawing release processes.

• Work under minimal direction.

• Excellent written/verbal communication skills and enjoys working in a team environment.

What You Bring

• B.S. in STEM discipline.

• 5- 10 years of mass properties experience.

• Experience with applicable industry recommended mass properties practices.

• A strong work ethic and ability to independently execute the areas described by the responsibilities and essential functions.

• Excellent organization and communication skills.

• Other duties as assigned.

Bonus Points

• Advanced degree preferred.

• Experience with 3D solid modeling software applications (preferably NX) and product data management tools (TeamCenter).

• Demonstrated knowledge of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), certification procedures (especially Part 23), and relevant industry standards.

• US Person Preferred.

Leveling Expectations

Level (Staff or Senior) will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, demonstrated skills, and degree of independence and autonomy.

Both levels require a strong foundation in engineering principles and the ability to solve complex technical problems. Differentiation between levels is based on degree of ownership, autonomy, and influence.

Staff Engineer (5+ years)

• Experienced with frequent application of technical standards, principles, and theories

• Works under general supervision to solve technical problems of moderate scope and complexity

• Executes defined scope of work with growing independence

• Contributes to system integration, supplier coordination, and technical problem-solving

Senior Engineer (8+ years)

• Demonstrates a complete understanding and wide application of engineering principles, theories, and concepts

• Works under limited direction to solve a wide range of complex technical problems

• Independently determines and develops approaches to solutions

• Owns technical scope such as supplier oversight, integration activities, and compliance efforts

• Drives issue resolution and collaborates effectively with minimal guidance

Compensation:

$110,000 – $155,000 annually. 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.

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