0131 - Senior Flight Physics Engineer

About Electra
Electra is a new aerospace company 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, 401(k) match, bonus opportunities and more!

Flight Physics 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 Senior Flight Physics Engineers support 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

• Support development of aerodynamic and propulsion system models/database and aeropropulsive analysis tools.
• Conduct conceptual and preliminary design studies of eSTOL and analysis of comparator aircraft.
• Integrate empirical methods, hand calculations, vortex lattice codes, CFD, wind tunnel, and flight test data to analyze aerodynamic performance and stability & control
• Own the development of the vehicle cockpit simulator software and hardware. Support flying qualities assessments.
• Support flight test planning, instrumentation selection, execution, and data analysis.
• Document analysis, prepare and present at gated design reviews to demonstrate the adequacy of the design.

Qualifications & Required Skills
We are seeking a candidate with the following experience and skills:

• Strong technical background. A Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Multidisciplinary, Mechatronic Engineering or related discipline and/or equivalent years of experience and 6+ years of direct Aerospace/Engineering Experience

• Experience with the aircraft design process and familiarity with various vehicle analysis tools. Understanding of fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, aircraft sizing, performance, stability and control. Experienced with existing tools for the design and analysis of aircraft systems, propellers, airfoils, motors, and engines.
• Interpersonal. Excellent interpersonal skills, absolute integrity, and a strong work ethic.

• Software engineering. Familiarity with software development in MATLAB, Simulink, python, Fortran, C.

• Highly flexible and dynamic. Quick and positive response to change, ability to multitask. Focus on the output rather than the number of hours spent at work. Willingness to work across time-zones.
• Must be a US Person (Citizen or Green Card).

Preferred

The following experience and skills are highly desirable:

• Aircraft control system design. Experience with control law development. Experience moving from control system requirements to hardware (pulleys, pushrods, etc.) strongly preferred.
• Experience with detailed aero design. Experience moving from concept to firm OML definition (surfaces, flaps, inlets, fairings, etc.)
• Flight or wind tunnel testing experience. Planning, leading, and executing tunnel test campaigns.
• Aircraft rapid prototyping, hands-on experience.
• CFD proficiency.
• 3D CAD proficiency (CATIA/Solidworks).
• Software engineering. Familiar with continuous integration, agile development methods, and design optimization.
• Ability to interface with various functions (engineering, manufacturing, contracts, finance, supply chain, HR, IT, etc.) and apply a positive, creative, analytical mindset that motivates the team to push through challenges and meaningfully helps resolve problems (technical, programmatic, interpersonal, etc.) in a startup environment.

Location: Headquarters in Manassas, VA. To encourage close collaboration on a complex hardware program, this position requires daily onsite office hours.

Travel: 25%
Salary Range: Electra’s salary range for this position is: $81,250.00 – 181,250.00
Our salary ranges reflect the minimum and maximum range for the Company level overall across all locations & projects and does not necessarily reflect the budgeted amount for this position. Individual pay is based on additional factors, including project budgets, job-related skills, experience, relevant education and/or training, role, level, location, and project.