Multidisciplinary Engineer - Flight Controls

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.

Position Overview

Electra is seeking a motivated Multidisciplinary Engineer with a focus on Flight Controls and Aircraft Systems to support the development, integration, and testing of aircraft systems across our hybrid-electric Ultra Short program.

This role is ideal for an engineer excited to work hands-on across multiple domains-including flight controls, avionics, propulsion, electrical, mechanical, and embedded systems-on a cutting-edge flight development program. The position will involve supporting the development and integration of control systems, aircraft sensors, actuators, and avionics interfaces while collaborating closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, and flight test teams.

Come make use of the full breadth and depth of your engineering skill set at Electra-where you will have the opportunity to make a direct impact on our flying EL2 aircraft from day one.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Support the development, integration, and testing of aircraft flight control systems, including sensors, actuators, and avionics interfaces.
• Assist with modeling and simulation of aircraft dynamics and control system behavior to support system design and performance evaluation.
• Contribute to the integration of flight control software with onboard avionics and distributed propulsion systems.
• Support trade studies and help define system architectures, control system requirements, and subsystem interfaces across electrical, mechanical, and software domains.
• Develop and maintain system requirements aligned with safety, performance, certification, and program objectives.
• Utilize engineering analysis, modeling tools, and simulation methods to evaluate flight control performance and system compliance.
• Support detailed design activities including actuator integration, sensor selection, avionics interfaces, weight and power tracking, and system documentation.
• Provide hands-on support for hardware bring-up, subsystem debugging, instrumentation, and aircraft system integration on the EL2 aircraft.
• Execute functional and system-level tests, collect data, and help diagnose issues related to flight controls, avionics, electrical, mechanical, and fluid systems.
• Assist with flight test preparation, instrumentation setup, and flight data analysis to evaluate aircraft handling qualities and control system performance.
• Collaborate closely with program management, engineering IPTs, and cross-functional teams to support key program milestones.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience

• 2 years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Physics from an ABET-accredited institution.

Required Skills

• Strong foundational engineering knowledge spanning aerospace, mechanical, or electrical systems.
• Understanding of aircraft dynamics, control systems, or flight control principles.
• Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or similar environments.
• Understanding of aircraft avionics systems, sensors, and actuator architectures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with engineering design standards, modeling tools, and verification methods.
• Excellent organization, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced aircraft development environment.
• Eagerness to learn, take initiative, and engage in hands-on engineering and testing activities.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with flight control system development, control law modeling, or aircraft simulation.
• Familiarity with embedded systems or real-time control software.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) or software-in-the-loop (SIL) simulation environments.
• Knowledge of avionics communication protocols, particularly CAN.
• Experience with aircraft flight testing or flight data analysis.
• Exposure to FARs, aircraft certification processes (particularly Part 23), or industry standards.
• Experience or academic background in distributed electric propulsion or hybrid-electric aircraft systems.
• US Person (Citizen or Green Card) preferred.
• Licensed pilot (FAA/EASA PPL, CPL, etc.) preferred.

Location

HQ in Manassas, VA. To enable close collaboration on a complex program, this position requires daily onsite presence.

Travel

<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.