Senior Mechanical Systems 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+ letters of intent 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 a Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer at Electra, you'll be a key contributor to the design, development, and integration of mechanical systems on the EL9 Ultra Short aircraft. Working within a cross-functional team, you'll take ownership of system requirements, drive design decisions through PDR and CDR, manage supplier relationships, and ensure your systems meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. This is a hands-on role with real program impact at a critical stage of development.

What You'll Do

• Lead the design and development of mechanical systems - including hydraulics, landing gear, ECS, fuel systems, and other vehicle-level systems - ensuring work is delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
• Develop system requirements, design specifications, and supporting documentation in compliance with regulatory and program standards.
• Perform performance analysis and simulations to verify that mechanical systems meet aircraft-level requirements.
• Define supplier statements of work, review supplier designs, and manage vendor performance through PDR, CDR, and into hardware delivery - tracking deliverables and holding suppliers accountable to airworthiness and schedule requirements.
• Ensure integration of mechanical systems with adjacent subsystems - avionics, electrical, propulsion - and troubleshoot cross-discipline integration issues.
• Prepare, review, and approve engineering deliverables including analyses, drawings, models, design reviews, and reports.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and contribute to a culture of engineering rigor and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, program leadership, and certification leads to support successful program execution.
• Support FAA Part 23 certification activities as systems progress toward type certification.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline with at least 8 years of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Hands-on experience with aircraft mechanical systems design and integration - hydraulics, flight controls, ECS, fuel systems, landing gear, or similar.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams or supplier relationships through design phases (PDR/CDR) on aerospace programs.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards (e.g., SAE ARP4754) and aviation regulations; exposure to FAA certification processes a plus.
• Proficiency with CAD tools; NX and Teamcenter experience preferred.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with limited oversight.
• US Person (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required.

Bonus Points

• Experience with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 certification programs.
• Background in hydraulic power systems, fluid power design, or mechanisms.
• Experience working in a startup or high-growth aerospace environment.
• Private pilot certificate.

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.