Senior Instrumentation Engineer

Electra
  • Manassas, VA
    5 days ago

    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

    As our Senior Instrumentation Engineer, you'll design, build, and maintain the instrumentation and data acquisition systems that power Electra's ground and flight test programs. This is a hands-on technical role with high visibility - the quality of your work directly determines the quality of the data engineering relies on to advance the EL9 toward FAA Part 23 certification. You'll work closely with the Systems Test Manager and flight test team to stand up a capability built for a certification program, not adapted from one.

    What You'll Do

    • Design, install, and maintain sensor systems, signal conditioning hardware, and data acquisition systems for ground and flight test applications.
    • Develop and manage data acquisition architectures that capture test data across avionics, propulsion, structural, and flight control systems.
    • Collaborate with test and engineering teams to define instrumentation requirements and ensure data quality meets certification standards.
    • Develop calibration procedures and maintain traceability of all instrumentation systems.
    • Support SIL/HIL lab development with instrumentation integration and signal interface design.
    • Troubleshoot instrumentation anomalies in real time during ground and flight test operations.
    • Document instrumentation designs, configurations, and test procedures to support FAA certification activities.

    What You Bring

    • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience (aerospace, electrical, or mechanical preferred).
    • 8+ years of experience in instrumentation and data acquisition for aerospace ground or flight test programs.
    • Hands-on experience with sensor selection, signal conditioning, and DAS hardware (e.g., Curtiss-Wright, Amphenol, HBK, or similar).
    • Proficiency with instrumentation software and data processing tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).
    • Experience developing instrumentation plans and test procedures in support of CAA (FAA/EASA) certification programs preferred.
    • Strong understanding of avionics, propulsion, or structural test environments.
    • S. Person (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required.

    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
    $115,000—$140,000 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.

    Numbers & Facts

    LocationManassas, VA

    Skills

    • Accreditation Standardsunmatched
    • Acquisitions Managementunmatched
    • Aerospace Engineeringunmatched
    • Aerospace and Defenseunmatched
    • Aviation Industryunmatched
    • Avionicsunmatched
    • Calibrationunmatched
    • Compensation Managementunmatched
    • Control Systemsunmatched
    • Data Collectionunmatched
    • Data Managementunmatched
    • Data Processingunmatched
    • Data Qualityunmatched
    • Dental Insuranceunmatched
    • Electricityunmatched
    • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)unmatched
    • Instrumentationunmatched
    • Instrumentation Engineeringunmatched
    • MATLABunmatched
    • Procedure Developmentunmatched
    • Propulsionunmatched
    • Python Programming/Scripting Languageunmatched
    • Requirements Managementunmatched
    • System Testunmatched
    • Systems Administration/Managementunmatched
    • Systems Maintenanceunmatched
    • Test Dataunmatched
    • Test Plan/Scheduleunmatched
    • Test Programunmatched
    • Testingunmatched
    • Traceabilityunmatched
    • Vision Planunmatched

    Be found by employers

    5,500+ employers search our resume database daily. Add yours to get found by recruiters looking for candidates like you.

    Level up your application

    Professional resume templates

    Browse dozens of recruiter approved resume templates, layouts and formats. Choose your favorite and make it your own in minutes.

    Free resume templates

    Free resume builder

    Improve your existing resume or start from scratch and create a standout, ATS-friendly resume. Add job-specific content, download and apply.

    Free resume builder