Principal Systems Test Engineer (Aerospace)

Principal Systems Test 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 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matter at this stage - and this role is no exception.

The Role As our Principal Systems Test Engineer, you'll be the technical lead driving development of Electra's ground test infrastructure and instrumentation capability. This is a hands-on leadership role - you'll mentor junior engineers, own the architecture of our simulation labs, and build the data management and automated test processes that engineering depends on to move the EL9 toward certification.

What You'll Do

• Lead and mentor development of software and hardware in the loop simulation labs (e.g., hybrid propulsion copper bird; SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators; static and dynamic structural testing).
• Lead and mentor development of instrument and data acquisition capabilities for ground and flight test.
• Lead and mentor data management of all testing for use by engineering.
• Build automated test processes requiring custom interfaces amongst disparate RTOS system models and hardware.
• Serve as a key contact for all ground testing and instrumentation with internal customer organizations.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience (aerospace/electrical/mechanical preferred).
• 10+ years experience in systems ground tests and instrumentation, preferably experience with test and evaluation at an aircraft manufacturer.
• CAA (FAA/EASA) aircraft certification experience preferred.
• U.S. Person preferred.
• Bonus Points
• Experience with hybrid-electric propulsion or high-voltage electrical systems test.
• Familiarity with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 ground and flight test certification requirements.
• Experience with large-scale ground test programs or iron bird development.
• US Person (Citizen or Green Card) preferred.

Compensation $150,000 – $180,000 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 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