Staff/Senior Mass Properties Engineer

Staff/Senior Mass Properties Engineer

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 matter at this stage - and this role is no exception.

The Role

Electra is seeking a Staff/Senior Mass Properties Engineer to support the development of our EL9 Ultra Short aircraft. This is an incredible opportunity to make a direct impact on a cutting-edge development program.

What You'll Do

• Support the mass properties control and management execution across for the EL9 program.

• Conduct advanced design weight estimation to develop preliminary weight estimates to support advanced design proposals, prototyping efforts, trade studies, etc.

• Develop current and forecasted weight, balance, and mass properties data.

• Perform estimation, calculation, and measurement/verification of mass, center of gravity, and inertias of components, assemblies and completed systems.

• Develop mass properties processes and tools to be implemented across Electra.

• Coordinate with SMEs across the program to understand weight impacts of design decisions.

• Support the development and presentation of weight status or technical data to design teams and program leadership.

• Review and support detail and installation drawing release processes.

• Work under minimal direction.

• Excellent written/verbal communication skills and enjoys working in a team environment.

What You Bring

• B.S. in STEM discipline.

• 5- 10 years of mass properties experience.

• Experience with applicable industry recommended mass properties practices.

• A strong work ethic and ability to independently execute the areas described by the responsibilities and essential functions.

• Excellent organization and communication skills.

• Other duties as assigned.

Bonus Points

• Advanced degree preferred.

• Experience with 3D solid modeling software applications (preferably NX) and product data management tools (TeamCenter).

• Demonstrated knowledge of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), certification procedures (especially Part 23), and relevant industry standards.

• US Person Preferred.

Leveling Expectations

Level (Staff or Senior) will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, demonstrated skills, and degree of independence and autonomy.

Both levels require a strong foundation in engineering principles and the ability to solve complex technical problems. Differentiation between levels is based on degree of ownership, autonomy, and influence.

Staff Engineer (5+ years)

• Experienced with frequent application of technical standards, principles, and theories

• Works under general supervision to solve technical problems of moderate scope and complexity

• Executes defined scope of work with growing independence

• Contributes to system integration, supplier coordination, and technical problem-solving

Senior Engineer (8+ years)

• Demonstrates a complete understanding and wide application of engineering principles, theories, and concepts

• Works under limited direction to solve a wide range of complex technical problems

• Independently determines and develops approaches to solutions

• Owns technical scope such as supplier oversight, integration activities, and compliance efforts

• Drives issue resolution and collaborates effectively with minimal guidance

Compensation:

$110,000 – $155,000 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 and comprehensive benefits.

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

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.