Staff / Senior Electrical Engineer

Staff / Senior Electrical 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 Electrical Engineer to support the design and development of high-voltage and low-voltage electrical 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.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong technical depth in aerospace electrical systems, electrical power systems, avionics, or hybrid-electric propulsion systems, and enjoys working in a fast-paced development environment.

What You'll Do

Support the design, analysis, integration, and testing of aircraft electrical systems

Contribute to the development of electrical system architectures, requirements, and interface definitions

Support electrical systems across multiple aircraft domains, including low-voltage and high-voltage power distribution, avionics and mission systems, power electronics, electrical energy storage systems, and electric motors and related equipment

Perform trade studies and engineering analyses to support system design decisions

Develop, manage, and verify system requirements to meet safety, certification, performance, and program objectives

Support supplier selection, technical evaluations, and integration efforts

Create and maintain engineering documentation, including requirements, interface definitions, test plans, and design artifacts

Participate in design reviews and technical assessments

Support laboratory, ground, and flight-test integration activities

Troubleshoot electrical system issues and recommend corrective actions

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including propulsion, avionics, systems, structures, manufacturing, and flight test

Support certification and compliance activities as required

Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes and practices

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

Experience developing aerospace, aviation, defense, automotive, energy, or other complex electrical systems

Knowledge of electrical system design, integration, and testing methodologies

Experience creating and managing technical requirements and interface definitions

Familiarity with electrical schematic development and electrical system analysis

Experience using electrical test and troubleshooting equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, data acquisition equipment)

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 with aircraft electrical systems and avionics

Experience with hybrid-electric propulsion systems

Knowledge of FAA Part 23 certification requirements

Familiarity with ARP4754, ARP4761, DO-160, or related aerospace standards

Experience with power electronics, batteries, electric motors, or energy storage systems

Experience supporting system integration and flight-test programs

Proficiency with modeling, simulation, or electrical analysis tools

Experience working within a fast-paced product development environment

Compensation

$93,000.00-126,000.00 annualy. 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