What You'll Do
Customer and Partner Engagement
Partner with internal government and commercial programs leaders to deeply understand the real needs of the customers, not just their explicitly stated goals
Synthesize these inputs to develop system requirements and concept of operation that define what Electra will develop to.
Assess state of suppliers for various elements of the autonomy architecture including system components, support infrastructure, and data. Lead supplier/partner engagement and selection efforts.
Support internal and external communication of Electra's autonomy strategy
Technical Integration and Design Maturity
Define autonomy concept of operations, functional decomposition, and system architecture
Develop integration strategies aligned with existing EL9 aircraft design
Evaluate architectures and interfaces for completeness, performance, and integration risk
Partner with the EL9 PMO to conduct trade studies for autonomous capability enhancements
Requirements Development and Traceability
Lead the development of requirements for EL9 autonomy system, including both aircraft requirements and non-aircraft associated elements.
Develop operational plan for the system including training systems, operational specifications, minimum equipment lists, etc.
Collaborate with product development teams to ensure sound requirements flowdown and traceability.
Assess verification approaches to confirm practicality and alignment with program objectives.
Gate Review and Development Plan
Assemble development and test plan for autonomy systems
Lead gate reviews as design matures
In collaboration with the Certification Team, support the development of a initial certification strategy with the relevant airworthiness authorities, especially defense authorities.
Provide recommendations to program leadership.
What You'll Bring
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience ( advanced degree preferred)
US Persons required
Extensive experience (typically 12+ years) in flight autonomy or highly automated systems development
Proven ownership of complex autonomous system design and integration
Experience supporting or participating in government certification programs, including FAA and/or defense airworthiness processes
Strong background in formal development processes (e.g., ARP4754B)
Demonstrated technical leadership of engineering teams and supplier engagements, through direct management and/or senior technical direction
Experience conducting trade studies and preparing for design reviews
Excellent communication skills with the ability to deliver clear, actionable technical feedback
Bonus Points
Pilot certificate preferred but not required.
Familiarity with development and test planning for ground and flight activities.
Demonstrated experience supporting or leading certification activities, including FAA or defense airworthiness.
Demonstrated mentorship of senior engineers and IPT leads.
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.
Compensation Range
$175,000—$215,000 USD
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
Electra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.
