Senior Propulsion Engineer

About Electra:

From revolutionizing air travel with our sustainable eSTOL aircraft to tackling critical climate science missions with our solar-powered stratospheric UAS, Electra builds airplanes that make sense. 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 a new aerospace company headquartered in Northern Virginia and we're on a quest to build a team of insanely talented people who want to do meaningful work. 

Primary Purpose:  

Electra is seeking an experienced Propulsion Engineer to support the development of a hybrid electric propulsion system for a 9-passenger eSTOL (electric short takeoff and landing) aircraft.  This is an incredible “hands-on” opportunity to lead all activities related to propulsion system development and play an integral role in a cutting-edge development program.

Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

• Manage development of the hybrid electric propulsion system, including batteries, high voltage electrical distribution, electric motors, power electronics, turbogenerator, fuel system, fire protection, propellers, and other related equipment (heat exchangers, intake and exhaust, etc.).
• Plan and coordinate propulsion system activities to ensure that the system meets the technical performance objectives within the allocated schedule and budget.  
• Provide technical expertise, mentoring, and guidance on both practical and theoretical aspects of propulsion system development, testing, and certification.
• Manage trade study activities and architecture development for the propulsion system.
• Develop and manage requirements for the propulsion system, compatible with the program-level safety, performance, certification, and business objectives. 
• Support the evaluation and selection of propulsion system suppliers.  Manage suppliers to ensure delivery of equipment and services that meet the technical requirements within the assigned schedule and budget.
• Manage detailed design activities for the propulsion system, including BOM development, interface management, power, and weight management, hardware and software design definition, and analysis activities.
• Provide hands-on support for propulsion system integration and test activities.
• 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 engineering teams, preferably in the development of aerospace propulsion systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), certification procedures (especially Part 23), and relevant industry standards.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt well to change.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or other related technical discipline; and
• 6+ years of experience or an equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience.

Additional Desired Skills:

• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Working knowledge of government development programs and contracting.
• Experience in coaching and supervising technical staff and building customer relationships.
• Demonstrated breadth and depth of impact on the business.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership in establishing organizational goals, implementing value-added process improvements, and building high-performance R&D and/or production teams with a strong customer focus.
• US Person (Citizen or Green Card) Preferred
• Licensed Pilot Preferred (FAA, EASA, PPL, CPL, etc.)
• Aviation Technical Certifications (A&P 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.

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.

Additionally, as part of our commitment to health and safety, we require all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Electra offers a reasonable accommodation process for individuals who are unable to meet our vaccination requirement due to a disability, medical condition, or sincerely held religious belief.

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