Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

Lead FTI 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 orders from operators worldwide. With a team of ~100 people, we are moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage – and this role is no exception.

Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer supports the instrumentation and testing of our hybrid‑electric Ultra‑Short aircraft. This is an incredible hands‑on opportunity to support our projects and flight‑test team.

• Support aircraft Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) system development, integration, calibration/verification, and operation.
• Manage aircraft data acquisition, telemetry, processing, and storage.
• Work with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to establish instrumentation requirements and maintain a Master Parameter List.
• Liaise between engineering, technicians, and the test organization.
• Other duties may be assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, computer engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years’ experience designing, integrating, calibrating, and troubleshooting aircraft instrumentation.
• Experience with data acquisition systems (e.g., TTC, NI, ACRA).
• Experience with sensor characteristics (range, accuracy, frequency response, etc.).
• Ability to operate independently in a fast‑paced test environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a high‑performance team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Practical experience with standard avionics communication protocols such as CAN bus and ARINC 429.
• Experience developing basic software for process automation (C++, Python, etc.).
• US Person (Citizen or Green Card) preferred.

Travel: < 25%

$159,000 – $199,000 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.

• 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

Electra is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.

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 equipment. Fieldwork may be required, working in both indoor and outdoor conditions. You may need to lift up to 50 lbs.

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

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.