Principal Electrical Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Principal Electrical Engineer

About Electra

At Electra, we're pioneering hybrid‑electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft that redefine regional air mobility. Our technology enables operations from soccer‑field‑sized spaces, unlocking thousands of new locations and enabling what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, efficient, point‑to‑point travel closer to where people live and work.

Headquartered in Manassas, VA, with additional operations in Switzerland, Electra is backed by industry leaders and advancing toward certification. We're a growing team of innovators working at the forefront of sustainable aviation-every hire plays a critical role in shaping the future of flight.

The Role

As our Principal Electrical Engineer , you will lead the development, integration, and optimization of the electrical power systems that enable Electra's flagship nine‑passenger EL9 aircraft. This is a high‑impact technical leadership role responsible for the architecture, performance, safety, and certification readiness of the aircraft's electrical systems-including power distribution, energy storage, conversion, and protection.

You'll collaborate across propulsion, avionics, flight controls, and structures to ensure seamless system integration while driving engineering rigor, innovation, and reliability across the full aircraft lifecycle.

What You'll Do

• Lead electrical system architecture - Own the design of aircraft electrical systems including generation, conversion, distribution, and energy storage
• Develop power budgets - Build and maintain power budgets, load cases, and trade studies to optimize efficiency and reliability
• Define system‑level requirements - Establish electrical and power interface requirements, grounding strategies, EMI/EMC protections, and safety features
• Drive cross‑functional integration - Partner with propulsion, avionics, flight controls, and structures to ensure compatibility and safe integration
• Develop and execute test plans - Lead validation, HIL setups, bench testing, and lab testing
• Evaluate suppliers and components - Qualify components and subsystems to meet compliance and reliability standards
• Produce certification‑ready documentation - Generate schematics, wiring diagrams, ICDs, analysis reports, and certification deliverables
• Mentor engineering teams - Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior engineers
• Advance engineering processes - Contribute to continuous improvement in electrical systems engineering
• Stay current on hybrid‑electric technologies - Track evolving FAA regulations, safety standards, and emerging technologies

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; Master's preferred
• 10+ years of experience in aircraft electrical systems design, integration, and certification
• Strong understanding of 28 VDC aircraft power systems
• Experience with electrical load analysis, wire harness design, and system integration
• Proficiency with electrical modeling/simulation tools
• Familiarity with EWIS, EMI/EMC testing, and environmental qualification
• Experience with DO‑254 / DO‑178C processes
• Proficiency with electrical CAD tools (Mentor Capital preferred)
• Strong documentation skills across system descriptions, test plans, analysis reports, and certification artifacts
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical reviews and influence stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading electrical system development for FAA Part 23 aircraft
• Hands‑on experience with commercial certification processes
• Background in hybrid‑electric propulsion or advanced electrical architectures
• Supplier management experience
• Familiarity with redundant power systems, fail‑safe design, and fault detection/isolation
• Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., JAMA) or system modeling tools (MATLAB/Simulink)
• Private pilot license a plus

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

Location & Travel

• Location: Manassas, VA (on‑site strongly preferred to support collaboration)
• Travel: Up to 10%

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.