About Electra:
Electra’s next gen mission is to develop Ultra Short aircraft, built for Direct Aviation. We are redefining the next level of connectivity, pioneering direct aviation – without airports, emissions, or noise. Electra’s Ultra Short aircraft will revolutionize air travel by bringing it closer to where we live, work, and play, making new connections possible. This makes a new venture like Electra exciting and fast-paced. Headquartered in Northern Virginia, we're on a quest to build a team of talented people who want to do meaningful work.
Primary Purpose:
Position Overview (Job Description):
Electra.aero, a next-gen aerospace technology company, seeks a dynamic and energetic Flight Physics IPT lead. This role will support the development of our Ultra Short aircraft development and is an incredible “hands-on” opportunity to play an integral role in a cutting-edge development program.
Responsibilities & Essential Functions:
- Lead the development of all aspects of the aerodynamic design of the aircraft, including flying surfaces, inlets/exhausts, propellers, and fuselage OML.
- Plan and coordinate flight physics activities to ensure that the system meets the technical performance objectives within the allocated schedule and budget.
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance on both practical and theoretical aspects of aerodynamic model development, aerodynamic testing, and certification.
- Lead trade study activities and architecture development for the aircraft.
- Support the detailed design and model improvement activities for the aircraft, including wind tunnel testing, simulation development, performance estimation, and flying qualities analysis.
- Support flight test planning, instrumentation selection, execution, and data analysis.
- Support relevant supplier evaluation and selection. Manage suppliers to ensure delivery of equipment and services that meet the technical requirements within the assigned schedule and budget.
- Collaborate with program management, other IPTs, and functional groups to accomplish team goals.
- Other Duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Required Skills
- A strong work ethic and ability to independently meet and lead the areas described in the responsibilities and essential functions.
- 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.
- Experience leading engineering teams, preferably in the development of aerospace vehicle analysis and development.
- Ability to perform cost and schedule management activities.
- Ability to manage suppliers.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), certification procedures (especially Part 23), and relevant industry standards.
- Excellent organization and communication skills.
- 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.
Minimum Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or other related technical discipline; and
- 8+ years of experience or an equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience.
Additional Desired Skills:
- Master’s Degree 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.
- Software engineering. Familiar with continuous integration, agile development methods, and design optimization.
- Ability to select, build and motivate high-performance work teams.
- US Person (Citizen or Green Card) Preferred
- Licensed Pilot Preferred (FAA, EASA, PPL, CPL, etc.)
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 the handling of light materials, boxes, power tools, prototypes, different materials, or equipment. Due to the nature of the projects some fieldwork may be required, working in both indoor and outdoor conditions. May need to lift up to 50 lbs.
Location: HQ in Manassas, VA. To encourage close collaboration on a complex program, this position requires daily onsite office hours.
Travel: 25%, Domestic & International Travel
The above job description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job.
Salary: Electra’s salary range for this position is: $106,080.00 – 269,280.00
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.
Top Skills
What We Do
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 with operations in Cambridge, MA, and Switzerland and growing quickly.