Principal Propulsion Engineer

Principal Propulsion Engineer 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.

Electra is seeking an experienced Principal Propulsion Engineer to support the development of a hybrid electric propulsion system for EL9, Electra's 9-passenger Ultra-Short aircraft. This is an incredible "hands‑on" opportunity to support all activities related to propulsion system development and play an integral role in a cutting‑edge development program.

• Lead the development of the turbo generator for the hybrid electric propulsion system, including working with suppliers to define interfaces, develop and track requirements, manage schedule, and mitigate risk.
• Develop requirements for the turbo generator and the larger propulsion system, compatible with the program‑level safety, performance, certification, and business objectives.
• Conduct the evaluation, selection, and oversight of suppliers for propulsion equipment.
• Understand turbine engine performance, manufacturing costs and lead times to conduct trade studies and define architectures.
• Work with the FAA and government authorities to define means of compliance for a turbo generator system as well as its installation into the aircraft, execute the required testing/analysis, document the results and answer follow‑up questions.
• Utilize analysis, modeling, and simulation tools to mechanically and functionally integrate the turbo generator into the aircraft.
• Document and present technical data to internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Conduct the 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.
• Write for government contracts.
• Other duties as assigned.

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

• Experience in the development of hybrid aerospace propulsion systems.
• Experience in turbine engine design, performance and/or manufacturing.
• Understanding of electric machine and power electronic sizing parameters and power quality.
• Understanding of design standards and verification methods (analysis and test) for the development of aircraft propulsion systems.
• Experience modeling hybrid systems and control algorithms in Matlab/Simulink.
• CAD modeling skills.
• Experience writing Certification Reports.
• Comfortable participating in flight testing activities.

• Master's Degree preferred.
• US Person (Citizen or Green Card) or EU Citizen.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), certification procedures (especially Part 23), and relevant industry standards.

Bordes, France or Manassas, VA. To encourage close collaboration on a complex program, this position requires daily onsite office hours.

~25%, domestic & international travel.

Electra's overall salary range for this level is: $ - $. 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,…