Senior Instrumentation 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 matters at this stage — and this role is no exception.
The Role
As our Senior Instrumentation Engineer, you'll design, build, and maintain the instrumentation and data acquisition systems that power Electra's ground and flight test programs. This is a hands-on technical role with high visibility - the quality of your work directly determines the quality of the data engineering relies on to advance the EL9 toward FAA Part 23 certification. You'll work closely with the Systems Test Manager and flight test team to stand up a capability built for a certification program, not adapted from one.
What You'll Do
- Design, install, and maintain sensor systems, signal conditioning hardware, and data acquisition systems for ground and flight test applications.
- Develop and manage data acquisition architectures that capture test data across avionics, propulsion, structural, and flight control systems.
- Collaborate with test and engineering teams to define instrumentation requirements and ensure data quality meets certification standards.
- Develop calibration procedures and maintain traceability of all instrumentation systems.
- Support SIL/HIL lab development with instrumentation integration and signal interface design.
- Troubleshoot instrumentation anomalies in real time during ground and flight test operations.
- Document instrumentation designs, configurations, and test procedures to support FAA certification activities.
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience (aerospace, electrical, or mechanical preferred).
- 8+ years of experience in instrumentation and data acquisition for aerospace ground or flight test programs.
- Hands-on experience with sensor selection, signal conditioning, and DAS hardware (e.g., Curtiss-Wright, Amphenol, HBK, or similar).
- Proficiency with instrumentation software and data processing tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).
- Experience developing instrumentation plans and test procedures in support of CAA (FAA/EASA) certification programs preferred.
- Strong understanding of avionics, propulsion, or structural test environments.
- S. Person (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required.
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
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.
Skills
As published by greenhouse · 13 questions
Basics
First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone, Resume/CV, Location
Short answers (5)
- Preferred First Name optional
- LinkedIn Profile optional
- If you were referred by an Electra employee, please list their full name.
- Please provide your current city and state.
- What is your desired salary?
Pick from a list (8)
- This role requires on-site presence. Are you able to meet this requirement?
- By submitting your application, you acknowledge that your personal data will be processed by Electra for the purposes of managing and evaluating your candidacy in the recruitment process. optional
- You further acknowledge and expressly consent that your personal data will be transferred to and stored in the United States, where the recruitment platform provider (Greenhouse) may process and host such data on behalf of Electra. You understand that Swiss data protection law requires an adequate level of data protection for such international transfers and that, at present, the adequacy of the data protection framework applicable to such transfers cannot be conclusively confirmed. In light of this, you expressly consent to the transfer, storage, and further processing of your personal data in the United States for the purposes described above. You may withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out prior to withdrawal. optional
- Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
- Are you subject to any non-compete, non-solicitation, or confidentiality agreements with your current or former employers that would impact your employment at Electra?
- How did you initially hear about this job?
- This position may require relocation. Are you willing to relocate for this role?
- Will you now or in the future require employer sponsorship to work in the United States?