Principal Flight Physics Engineer

Job Description

About Electra

At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation by developing hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft designed to transform regional air mobility, by making air travel more efficient, quieter, and environmentally friendly. Able to operate from soccer field-sized spaces, our Ultra Short unlocks a new era of aviation through what we call Direct Aviation - the next level of connectivity bringing air travel closer to where we live, work, and play. Headquartered in Northern Virginia, with additional locations in Switzerland, we're building a diverse team of global professionals passionate about redefining the future of aviation.

Position Overview (Job Description):

Electra.aero, a next-gen aerospace technology company, seeks a dynamic and energetic Principal Flight Physics Engineer. This role will support the development of our Ultra Short aircraft development.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

Support development of aerodynamic and propulsion system models/database and aero propulsive 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 aerodynamic database. 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.

Required Education and Experience:

A bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Multidisciplinary, Mechatronic Engineering or related discipline and/or equivalent years of experience and 12+ years of direct Aerospace/Engineering Experience

Required Skills:

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.

Other duties as assigned.

Must be a US Person (Citizen or Green Card).

Desired Qualifications:

An advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Multidisciplinary, Mechatronic Engineering or related discipline

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.

Other duties as assigned.

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

Travel: <25%

Salary: Electra's overall salary range for this level is: $160,000.00-$200,000.00

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.

Compensation and Benefits

In addition to offering an exciting work environment and the opportunity to be part of the team making Ultra Short flight a reality, at Electra, we offer an unparalleled total rewards package. Electra offers employees a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD, and life insurance, generous PTO and sick leave, company holidays, paid winter break, and a 401(k) plan with immediate vesting. Life at Electra includes a variety of perks, such as free catered lunches, amazing coffee, snacks, drinks, fruit, free parking, and opportunities for much more.

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 handling light materials, boxes, power tools, prototypes, and different materials or equipment. Due to the nature of our business and projects, some fieldwork may be required, working in both indoor and outdoor conditions. You may need to lift up to 50 lbs.

Background & Drug Screening

Successful completion of a background check and/or drug screening prior to starting work may be required for this position.

Commitment

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those from marginalized or underrepresented groups in the tech industry and aerospace, to apply for our job openings. We firmly believe that a diverse range of perspectives can profoundly influence both our product and our company culture.

Electra is committed to a work environment that is inclusive to all and free of discrimination. It is our policy to be an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other factors prohibited by law. Electra will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.

Electra is an E-Verify employer.

Full-time

Hybrid remote