Principal Battery Systems Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

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 from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people 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.

The Role

As our Principal Battery Systems Engineer, you'll own the design, integration, and verification of battery systems for the EL9 — from early requirements definition through FAA Part 23 certification and entry into service. You'll work at the intersection of propulsion, electrical systems, and thermal management, managing key suppliers and collaborating across disciplines to ensure our energy storage architecture meets the rigorous safety and performance standards our aircraft demands.

This is a high-ownership, high-visibility engineering role on a program with real momentum. You'll interface directly with certification authorities, contribute to safety analyses, and help determine how the EL9's battery system evolves as the technology landscape advances.

What You'll Do

• Own battery system development for the EL9, from requirements definition through certification and entry into service
• Define system-level requirements, performance targets, and safety criteria for aircraft battery systems
• Manage battery system supplier(s) to mitigate technical risks and meet program milestones
• Support battery architecture trade studies, thermal management strategies, and electrical interface definition
• Lead integration of the battery system with aircraft propulsion, electrical, and thermal management systems, including aircraft installation, maintenance definition, and thermal runaway mitigation
• Support battery model development for inclusion in propulsion, aircraft systems electrical, and cost models
• Develop and execute verification and validation plans for battery systems, including simulation, lab testing, and flight test activities
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in propulsion, avionics, safety, testing, and regulatory compliance to ensure seamless integration
• Conduct and support safety analyses, including fault tree analysis (FTA), failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), and thermal runaway risk assessments
• Interface with regulatory authorities (FAA, EASA) to support certification activities, including demonstrating compliance with Part 23 requirements
• Author and maintain technical documentation including specifications, test plans, compliance reports, and certification artifacts
• Monitor industry trends and advances in battery technology to inform future upgrades and product improvements
• Other duties as assigned

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline with at least 5 years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Hands-on experience with lithium-based battery systems, ideally in aerospace or other safety-critical applications
• Knowledge of high-voltage power systems, thermal management, and battery safety standards (e.g., DO-311A, RTCA/DO-160)
• Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., JAMA) and/or system modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink)
• Familiarity with aircraft certification processes and regulatory requirements (FAA/EASA Part 23 preferred)
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, including traceability, verification, and validation
• Supplier management and quality assurance experience
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced development environment
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines

Bonus Points

• Experience with hybrid-electric propulsion system integration
• Experience supporting lithium-ion propulsion battery certification for aerospace applications
• Knowledge of standards and processes for safety-critical systems (SAE ARP4754, ARP4761, DO-178C, DO-254)
• Familiarity with battery management systems (BMS) design and validation
• Exposure to environmental and abuse testing of battery systems

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.

Compensation Range

$150,000—$185,000 USD

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

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.