0150 - Principal Systems Engineer
Electra is pioneering direct aviation with our groundbreaking EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric product aircraft, a nine-passenger piloted aircraft built for the electric future that redefines air travel without airports, emissions, or noise. 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 seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead systems engineering activities for our EL9 Ultra Short aircraft. The ideal candidate would have experience in system engineering, particularly in the areas of safety, development assurance, and requirements management, and will be responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of rigorous engineering processes in accordance with industry standards for aircraft systems. This is an incredible opportunity to make a direct impact on a cutting-edge development program.
Responsibilities & Essential Functions
- Lead the implementation of system engineering processes across the EL9 program to ensure adherence to industry standards, internal procedures, and best practices.
- Support the development of company and program level processes and documentation, including but not limited to configuration management, change management, risk management, and development assurance processes.
- Lead requirements management activities for the EL9 program, including but not limited to elicitation, definition, traceability, verification and validation.
- Support systems integration activities for the EL9 program, ensuring systems work together effectively across the aircraft.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including design, safety, testing, and regulatory compliance, to ensure successful implementation of systems and processes. Provide technical leadership and guidance on best practices for systems engineering.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback on process effectiveness, identifying gaps, and proposing improvements to the system engineering process and its execution.
- Providing subject matter expertise, technical review, and mentoring to a broad team of engineers.
- Minimum of 12 years of related experience with bachelor’s degree; or 10 years and Master’s degree; or 7 years and PhD.
- Proven experience with safety-critical systems, risk analysis, and application of standards such as SAE ARP5754, ARP 4761, or DO-178C/DO-254.
- Experience with requirements management tools (e.g. JAMA) and system modeling tools (e.g. MATLAB, Simulink).
- Strong understanding of development assurance levels (DALs), safety assessments, and verification processes.
- Familiarity with certification processes and regulatory requirements for commercial aircraft (e.g., FAA, EASA).
- Creative thinker with the ability to function in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.
- A strong work ethic and ability to independently execute the areas described by the responsibilities and essential functions.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively interact with cross-functional teams.
- US Person Preferred.
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.