About Electra

Electra's mission is to develop Ultra Short aircraft, built for Direct Aviation. We are redefining the next level of connectivity, pioneering direct aviation - without airports, emissions, or noise. Electra's Ultra Short aircraft will revolutionize air travel by bringing it closer to where we live, work, and play, making new connections possible. This makes a new venture like Electra exciting and fast-paced. Headquartered in Northern Virginia, we're on a quest to build a team of insanely talented people who want to do meaningful work.

Job Description

Electra is seeking an experienced Senior Propulsion Design Engineer to support the development of a hybrid electric propulsion system for our Ultra Short aircraft.  This is an incredible "hands-on" opportunity to support all activities related to propulsion system development and play an integral role in a cutting-edge development program.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions 

• Support development of the hybrid electric propulsion system, including batteries, high voltage electrical distribution, electric motors, power electronics, turbogenerator, propellers, and other related equipment (heat exchangers, intake, and exhaust, etc.).

• Support evaluation, selection, and oversight of suppliers for propulsion equipment.

• Understand program objectives and requirements to conduct trade studies and define architectures, requirements, and interfaces between systems.

• Support development of requirements for the propulsion system, compatible with the program-level safety, performance, certification, and business objectives. 

• Utilize analysis, modeling, and simulation tools to complete trade studies and evaluate compliance to requirements.

• Document and present technical data to internal stakeholders and external customers

• Support detailed design activities for the propulsion system, including BOM development, interface management, power, and weight management, hardware and software design definition, and analysis activities.

• Provide hands-on support for propulsion system integration and test activities.

• Collaborate with program management, other IPTs, and functional groups to accomplish team goals.

• Write for government contracts

• Other Duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or other related technical discipline; and

• 6+ years of experience or an equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience.

Required Skills

• Experience in the development of hybrid aerospace propulsion systems.

• Experience in taking an aerospace component or system through either design reviews or testing reviews

• Understanding of design standards and verification methods (analysis and test) for the development of aircraft propulsion systems.

• Excellent organization and communication skills.

• Ability to adapt well to change.

• US Person (Citizen or Green Card)

Desired Qualifications 

• Experience as the Principal Investigator (PI) for government contracts.

• Master's Degree preferred.

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

• Experience modeling hybrid systems and control algorithms in Matlab/Simulink

• CAD modeling skills

• Experience writing Certification Reports

• Comfortable participating in flight testing activities

Location: HQ in Manassas, VA. To encourage close collaboration on a complex program, this position requires daily onsite office hours. Travel: <10%, Domestic & International Travel

Salary: Electra's overall salary range for this level is: $130,000.00 - $170,000.00 Our salary ranges reflect the minimum and maximum range for the Company level overall across all locations & projects and does not necessarily reflect the budgeted amount for this position. Individual pay is based on additional factors, including project budgets, job-related skills, experience, relevant education and/or training, role, level, location, and project.