0142 - Lead Flight Test Engineer

About Electra
Electra is a new aerospace company that is developing and manufacturing hybrid-electric aircraft to advance urban and regional mobility. Our mission is to decarbonize aviation with clean, quiet, environmentally friendly airplanes that can operate without conventional runways, and we are backed by some of the biggest players in aerospace. Our world-class team of engineers isn’t afraid to disrupt the status quo, and we plan to change the world with modern ideas that challenge conventional thinking. Electra is headquartered in Northern Virginia.
We are looking for people who are flexible, forward-thinking, and willing to go the extra mile to achieve shared team goals. Electra.aero offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation package, including health benefits, generous PTO, a 401(k) match, bonus opportunities, and more!
Lead Flight Test Engineer
As a startup company, Electra is at an early stage, so this position requires a versatile person who is not afraid to work hard and move fast. As the company will evolve and grow with time, so will this job. Our Lead Flight Test Engineer supports the development of our eSTOL (electric short takeoff and landing) aircraft development. This is an incredible "hands-on" opportunity to support our projects and aircraft prototyping team.
Responsibilities

• Manage flight test operations for the Electra EL-2 aircraft, including all aspects of flight test instrumentation, data collection, test planning, and test execution.
• Maintain flight procedures and operating handbooks for flight operations.
• Lead the development of the flight test control room.
• Develop the flight test instrumentation plan and lead flight test operations for the Electra EL-3 aircraft.
• Managing functional and physical interfaces between the flight test instrumentation system and the vehicle.
• Leading verification activities (including analysis and testing) for the flight test instrumentation system.
• Understanding program objectives and requirements to conduct trade studies and define architectures, requirements, and subsystem interfaces.
• Preparing and presenting at gated design reviews to demonstrate the adequacy of the design.

Required Education and Experience

• B.S. in Aerospace or Computer Science Engineering (or related STEM discipline) and
• 6 or more years of experience in relevant discipline areas (or an equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience).

Required Skills

• Experience in fixed-wing flight test operations for experimental aircraft.
• A strong work ethic and ability to independently meet and lead the areas described by the responsibilities and essential functions.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience working on prototype development programs.
• Experience with flight test operations of electric aircraft.
• Experience with flight test data reduction and aerodynamic and propulsion system analysis.
• Experience with MATLAB / Simulink.
• US Person (Citizen or Green Card) Preferred.
• Licensed Pilot Preferred.

Location: Headquarters in Manassas, VA. To encourage close collaboration, this position requires an onsite presence.
Travel: 25%