Staff Aerospace Research Engineer

Staff Aerospace Research Engineer

About Electra

At Electra, we''re pioneering hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft that redefine regional air mobility. Our technology enables operations from soccer-field-sized spaces, unlocking thousands of new locations and enabling what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, efficient, point-to-point travel closer to where people live and work.

Headquartered in Manassas, VA, with additional operations in Switzerland, Electra is backed by industry leaders and advancing toward certification. We''re a growing team of innovators working at the forefront of sustainable aviation-every hire plays a critical role in shaping the future of flight.

Position Summary

Electra seeks an experienced Staff Aerospace Research Engineer to support the development of future Ultra Short vehicle concepts and operational paradigms. This role is highly multidisciplinary and will require capabilities in vehicle-level modeling, detailed aerodynamic analysis, vehicle simulation, aircraft operations, and flight control design to advance the state of the art of Ultra Short aircraft development, in collaboration with subject matter experts. This role will require the ability to work independently and develop solutions to complex, multi-faceted problems.

Responsibilities

• Develop system and sub-system models of novel aero-propulsively coupled systems.
• Conduct vehicle-level trade studies of novel air vehicle configurations and new technology integration.
• Develop modeling approach for simulation of novel Ultra Short operations and flight procedures.
• Present technical analyses and recommendations at gated program reviews.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including structures, propulsion, controls, systems, and certification engineering
• Specify and support the execution of ground and flight tests to support modeling and development pathways.
• Strong programming skills for analysis, automation, and workflow integration.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to multidisciplinary audiences
• Strong documentation, organization, and technical communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly integrated startup environment

Required Qualifications

• Master''s or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with emphasis in aerodynamics, CFD, flight physics, or flight sciences
• Experience with aerodynamic modeling and flight simulation
• Advanced software development capabilities in MATLAB or Python
• Experience supporting aircraft development programs from conceptual design through flight test
• Familiarity with aircraft systems and multidisciplinary aircraft design processes

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting advanced air mobility, eSTOL, eVTOL, or hybrid-electric aircraft programs
• Familiarity with wind tunnel or flight test data collection; experience working with real data
• Familiarity with MDO tools and methods
• Private pilot or higher rating
• U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder) preferred

Compensation:

$112,000.00 - $140,000.00 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

Location, Work Model, and Travel

Location: Manassas, Virginia. On-site presence is strongly preferred to support close collaboration on a complex hardware program. Travel: Up to 25% for supplier engagement, integration activities, and reviews.

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.