Deputy Chief Engineer -- EL9

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 Deputy Chief Engineer, you'll be the senior technical integrator supporting the Chief Engineer across all aspects of the EL9 program. You'll carry responsibility for design maturity, requirements fidelity, cross-disciplinary integration, and program gate review readiness - keeping IPTs aligned and the technical program on track as we move toward certification.

This is a high-accountability role that touches every engineering function. You'll conduct independent technical reviews, drive issue resolution across discipline teams, and serve as a direct interface to the FAA on certification matters. You'll also help shape how we engage with our supplier base from a technical standpoint. If you're the kind of engineer who thrives as a technical anchor on a complex, clean-sheet program, this is the role.

What You'll Do

• Provide day-to-day senior engineering oversight across Integrated Product Teams, ensuring alignment with program objectives and identifying integration risk early
• Evaluate system architectures and interfaces for completeness; recommend and drive corrective actions
• Conduct independent technical reviews of engineering artifacts and issue formal, actionable feedback
• Assist IPTs in identifying and resolving requirements gaps, ambiguities, and conflicts during design activities
• Collaborate with the Systems Engineering Manager to ensure sound requirements flowdown and traceability throughout the program
• Assess verification approaches for practicality and alignment with program objectives
• Guide IPTs in closing open trade studies, validating analyses, and confirming balanced decision-making across performance and lifecycle considerations
• Prepare teams for gate reviews - assessing artifact completeness, technical maturity, and providing recommendations to program leadership
• Identify cross-disciplinary technical disconnects and lead targeted problem-solving
• Track technical actions, risks, and decisions; maintain clear communication to the Chief Engineer and leadership
• Support the Certification Team in managing the technical interface with the FAA, including technical familiarization meetings, issue resolution, and formal reviews
• Participate in the development, review, and execution of certification artifacts (Means/Methods of Compliance, Functional Certification Plans, Test Plans/Reports)
• Ensure alignment between design intent, certification basis, means of compliance, and regulatory guidance material
• Support technical evaluations of suppliers and their ability to support the EL9 Type Certification project

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline; advanced degree preferred
• 12+ years of aircraft development experience, including direct involvement in FAA certification programs
• Experience following formal development processes (e.g., ARP4754B) to ensure design and verification rigor
• Demonstrated ability to review complex designs and assess integration risks across multiple systems
• Experience conducting and reviewing trade studies and preparing teams for design reviews
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to deliver precise, constructive technical feedback
• US Person (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required

Bonus Points

• Pilot certificate
• Experience with hybrid-electric or electric propulsion architectures
• Familiarity with development and test planning for ground and flight activities
• Demonstrated track record supporting or leading FAA certification activities, including means of compliance development and regulatory issue resolution
• Mentorship of senior engineers and IPT leads

Compensation

$185,000 – $225,000 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, equity participation, and comprehensive benefits.

What We Offer

• 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

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.