Staff / Senior Mechanical Engineer

Staff / Senior Mechanical 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 2,200+ pre-orders from 60+ operators worldwide. We're a team of ~110 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification in late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage - and this role is no exception.

The Role

Electra is seeking a Staff / Senior Mechanical Engineer to support the design and development of mechanical systems for our hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft. This role involves hands-on engineering work across system architecture, design, integration, prototyping, and testing activities and is based in Manassas, Virginia.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to the development of a revolutionary aircraft while working alongside a highly collaborative engineering team.

What You'll Do

Support the mechanical design, development, and integration of aircraft systems

Develop design requirements, specifications, interface definitions, and supporting engineering documentation

Perform engineering analyses, calculations, and simulations to verify system performance and compliance with program requirements

Support trade studies and design evaluations to optimize performance, weight, reliability, maintainability, and cost

Create and maintain CAD models, layouts, installation definitions, and drawing packages as required

Support supplier selection, technical evaluations, and development activities

Participate in design reviews and technical assessments

Review engineering deliverables including analyses, drawings, test plans, models, reports, and certification artifacts

Support system integration activities and collaborate across disciplines including structures, propulsion, electrical, avionics, manufacturing, and flight test

Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve integration and operational issues identified during development and test activities

Support qualification, verification, validation, and certification efforts

Assist with development of compliance documentation for FAA Part 23 and other applicable regulatory requirements

Perform other duties as assigned

What You Bring

Bachelor's degree and 5+ years (Staff) or 8+ years (Senior) of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Strong understanding of mechanical system design, integration, and verification processes

Experience developing engineering requirements, specifications, and technical documentation

Experience performing engineering calculations and analytical assessments

Strong proficiency in 3D CAD design and modeling tools, with NX experience strongly preferred

Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary development environment

Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively across internal teams and external partners

Leveling Expectations

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

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

Bonus Points

Experience supporting FAA Part 23 certification programs

Experience with mechanical design of aircraft systems, including propulsion, mechanical systems, avionics, and flight controls

Experience with system integration, ground testing, and flight test support

Working knowledge of GD&T and aerospace manufacturing methods

Experience collaborating with external suppliers and development partners

Compensation

$93,000.00- $126,000.00 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, equity participation, 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