Sales Engineer

Sales Engineer

About Electra:

At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation by developing hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft designed to transform regional air mobility by making air travel more efficient, quieter, and environmentally friendly. Able to operate from soccer-field-sized spaces, our Ultra Short unlocks a new era of aviation through what we call Direct Aviation - the next level of connectivity bringing air travel closer to where we live, work, and play.

Headquartered in Northern Virginia, with additional locations in Switzerland, we are building a diverse team of global professionals passionate about redefining the future of aviation.

Position Summary:

Electra.aero is seeking an experienced Sales Engineer to develop and own Electra's performance and operating economics sales tools and to lead customer-specific use-case analysis in support of aircraft sales and early deployments.

This role is responsible for translating engineering outputs - including aircraft performance, fuel and energy burn, operating cost, noise footprint, and takeoff and landing capability - into fast, credible, and customer-ready analysis tools that support repeatable sales execution. The Sales Engineer will run detailed mission and fleet-level analyses for customers and work closely with customer fleet-planning teams to evaluate how Ultra Short aircraft integrate into existing and future networks.

This role interfaces closely with Electra's commercial sales team, network analysis lead, and product development team, and ensures consistent, technically credible representation of Electra's capabilities across markets.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Performance & Operating Cost Tool Ownership

• Own and maintain Electra's customer-facing performance and operating-cost tools, derived from engineering models and validated assumptions.
• Enable rapid analysis of:

-Mission performance across payload, range, and environmental conditions

-Takeoff and landing distances, obstacle clearance, and site feasibility

-Energy and fuel burn for hybrid-electric operations

-Direct operating costs, utilization sensitivity, and key cost drivers

-Noise footprint and community-impact considerations

• Ensure traceability, documentation, and appropriate usage of tools across the commercial organization.
• Standardize analysis workflows and templates to enable repeatable, scalable use across markets.
• Incorporate feedback from sales teams and customers to improve usability, speed, and relevance of tools.
• Work closely with aircraft performance, systems, and safety engineering teams to reflect model updates and refined assumptions.

Customer Use-Case Analysis & Sales Support

• Run detailed mission- and fleet-level analyses for customers exploring deployment of Ultra Short aircraft.
• Engage directly with customer fleet planning and operations teams to evaluate how Electra's EL9 aircraft integrates into existing and future networks.
• Serve as technical lead in customer discussions, using tools to support data-driven decisions.
• Support preparation of performance and economic inputs for sales meetings and proposals.
• Provide technical credibility during customer diligence, demonstrations, and early operational planning.
• Align with commercial sales to prioritize opportunities, standardize analyses, and support efficient sales cycles.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in sales engineering, aircraft performance analysis or aircraft operations at an airline or charter operator.
• Strong understanding of aircraft performance, operating economics, and mission analysis.
• Working familiarity with FAA aircraft operational requirements under 14 CFR Parts 91 and 135, including implications for required aircraft performance and operating limitations
• Experience developing and maintaining analytical tools supporting commercial or operational decisions 
• Hands-on experience developing complex Excel models
• Ability to integrate and build upon a performance code base developed in Python and Matlab
• Ability to synthesize complex engineering data into clear, decision-ready outputs for customers and leadership.
• Solid communication skills and comfort engaging directly with customers.

Desired Education and Experience:

• Pilot's license and/or operational experience at an airline or charter operator a strong plus
• Experience with electric or hybrid-electric aircraft architectures
• Experience developing interactive analytical tools in a web- or app-based environment
• Prior experience working with airline or operator fleet-planning organizations.
• Masters or PhD degree is a plus but not required.

Location:

Manassas, VA. This role requires regular onsite collaboration with engineering, product development, and commercial teams to maintain tight alignment between technical models and sales execution.

Travel:

~20%, Domestic & International Travel

Compensation and Benefits

In addition to offering an exciting work environment and the opportunity to be part of the team making Ultra Short flight a reality, at Electra, we offer an unparalleled total rewards package. Electra offers employees a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD, and life insurance, generous PTO and sick leave, company holidays, paid winter break, and a 401(k) plan with immediate vesting. Life at Electra includes a variety of perks, such as free catered lunches, amazing coffee, snacks, drinks, fruit, free parking, and opportunities for much more.

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in a warehouse/aviation and office environment, which requires proper safety precautions. Work may require some physical effort in handling light materials, boxes, power tools, prototypes, and different materials or equipment. Due to the nature of our business and projects, some fieldwork may be required, working in both indoor and outdoor conditions. You may need to lift up to 50 lbs.

Background & Drug Screening

Successful completion of a background check and/or drug screening prior to starting work may be required for this position.

Commitment

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those from marginalized or underrepresented groups in the tech industry and aerospace, to apply for our job openings. We firmly believe that a diverse range of perspectives can profoundly influence both our product and our company culture.

Electra is committed to a work environment that is inclusive to all and free of discrimination. It is our policy to be an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other factors prohibited by law. Electra will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.

Electra is an E-Verify employer.