Principal Airframe Stress Engineer

Principal Airframe Stress Engineer

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.

Job Description

Electra.aero, a next-gen aerospace technology company, seeks a dynamic and energetic Principal Airframe Stress Engineer. This role will support the development of Electa's 9-passenger Hybrid Electric eSTOL (electric short takeoff and landing) Aircraft. The ideal candidate will have a strong background leading the analysis of metallic and composite structure to meet certification requirements within a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

• Lead the development of major structural airframe assemblies from preliminary design through certification, and manufacturing ramp up

• Collaborate with suppliers and engineers from loads, design, M&P, structural test and certification throughout the entire product development process from prototype to high-rate production


• Provide technical guidance to the engineering team on design concepts and structural analysis methods.


• Define the engineering analysis requirements that ensure structural integrity of the airframe to support Type Certification.


• Perform static and fatigue analysis of airframe structure in support of Type Certification using finite element analysis and conventional hand calculations using standard methodologies (Bruhn, Niu, Roark, ESDU, etc.)


• Prepare, review and approve design dispositions and analysis substantiation.


• Support component and assembly tests, including definition, planning, requirements, and report writing


• Stress Engineers with a history of group leadership/management who could serve as the Stress Lead


• Other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in airframe structural analysis.


• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Familiar with FAA Part 23 Certification Regulations


• Proficiency with NX or other CAD software


• Expert knowledge of FEMAP/Nastran


• In-depth understanding of aircraft loads, free body diagrams, behavior of aircraft components and mechanics of materials.


• Advanced proficiency in hand calculations and finite element analysis of composite and metallic structures.


• Ability to generate and review detailed analysis reports and aircraft type certification documents

Location & Additional Information:

Location: Olten, Switzerland. This position requires daily onsite office hours.

Travel: <25%

Salary: Electra's overall salary range for this level is: $160,000.00 - $200,000.00 Our salary ranges reflect the minimum and maximum range for the Company level overall across all locations & projects and does not necessarily reflect the budgeted amount for this position. Individual pay is based on additional factors, including project budgets, job-related skills, experience, relevant education and/or training, role, level, location, and project.