0115 - Principal Electrical Engineer

Manassas, VA
Full Time
Experienced

About Electra

From revolutionizing air travel with our sustainable eSTOL aircraft, to tackling critical climate science missions with our solar-powered stratospheric UAS, Electra builds airplanes that make sense. Our world-class team of engineers isn’t afraid to disrupt the status quo, and we plan to change the world with modern ideas that challenge conventional thinking. Electra is a new aerospace company headquartered in Northern Virginia and we're on a quest to build a team of insanely talented people who want to do meaningful work.

Job Description

Electra is actively recruiting a Principal Electrical Engineer - Power Electronics to support design and development of high voltage and low voltage electrical systems for our 9-passenger eSTOL (electric short takeoff and landing), hybrid-electric aircraft. This position focuses on design, prototyping, integration, and testing and as such is based in Manassas, Virginia. 

Responsibilities and Essential Functions

  • Manage design, analysis, integration and testing of electrical systems for our hybrid-electric aircraft.  This role has the potential to support the development a number of aircraft electric systems and equipment, including avionics, power distribution (low voltage and high voltage), power electronics, electrical energy storage, and electric machines.
  • Understand program objectives and requirements to conduct trade studies and define architectures, requirements, and interfaces between systems.
  • Develop and manage requirements for the electrical systems and equipment, compatible with the program-level safety, performance, certification, and business objectives.
  • Manage the evaluation and selection of electrical equipment suppliers.  Provide subject matter expert review and oversight throughout the development process.
  • Prepare and present gated design reviews to demonstrate the adequacy of the design.
  • Provide hands-on support for electrical and power electronic system integration and test activities.
  • Collaborate with program management, other IPTs, and functional groups to accomplish team goals.
  • Other Duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace, or a related field; and
  • 12+ year of experience in relevant discipline areas or an equivalent combination of education, skills and experience.
  • Expertise in the area of high power hybrid-electric and/or fully electric propulsion systems and power electronics.

Qualifications & Required Skills

  • Experience in the development of aerospace electrical systems, hybrid-electric propulsion and/or avionics systems.
  • Proficient with general-purpose test and build equipment/tools (oscilloscope, multimeter, soldering iron).
  • A strong work ethic and ability to independently meet and lead the areas described in the responsibilities and essential functions.
  • Excellent organization and communication skills.
  • Ability to adapt well to change.

Additional Desired Skills:

  • Master’s or PhD degree in relevant engineering discipline strongly desired.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), certification procedures (especially Part 23), and relevant industry standards.
  • Experience with implementing and troubleshooting digital communications architectures (i.e. RS422, CAN, Ethernet, and ARINC429).
  • Experience with grounding schemes for large and complex electrical systems.
  • US Person (Citizen or Green Card) Preferred

Location: Headquarters in Manassas, VA. To encourage close collaboration this position is 3-4 days in the office, with some virtual work allowed.

Travel: <25%

Electra’s salary range for this position is: $100,750.00 - $224,750.00
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.

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.

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.

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