Senior Airframe Stress 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 matter at this stage - and this role is no exception.
The Role
Electra.aero, a next-gen aerospace technology company, seeks a dynamic and energetic Senior Airframe Stress Engineer. This role will support the development of Electra's 9-passenger Hybrid Electric eSTOL Aircraft. The ideal candidate will have a strong background analyzing metallic and composite structure to meet certification requirements within a fast-paced, innovative environment.
What You'll Do
- Support the development of major structural airframe assemblies from preliminary design through certification, and manufacturing ramp up.
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Collaborate with suppliers and engineers from loads, design, M&P, structural test and certification throughout the entire product development process.
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Provide technical guidance to the engineering team on design concepts and structural analysis methods.
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Define the engineering analysis requirements that ensure structural integrity of the airframe to support Type Certification.
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Perform static and fatigue analysis of airframe structure in support of Type Certification using finite element analysis and conventional hand calculations using standard methodologies (Bruhn, Niu, Roark, ESDU, etc.).
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Prepare, review and approve design dispositions and analysis substantiation.
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Support component and assembly tests, including definition, planning, requirements, and report writing.
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Other duties as assigned.
What You Bring
- Minimum 5 years of experience in airframe structural analysis.
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Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution, with a concentration in a relevant Engineering discipline.
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Familiar with FAA Part 23 Certification Regulations.
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Proficiency with NX or other CAD software.
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Advanced knowledge of FEMAP/Nastran.
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In-depth understanding of aircraft loads, free body diagrams, behavior of aircraft components and mechanics of materials.
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Advanced proficiency in hand calculations and finite element analysis of composite and metallic structures.
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Ability to generate and review detailed analysis reports and aircraft type certification documents.
Bonus Points
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Experience with composite structural analysis and damage tolerance methodology.
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Familiarity with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 certification programs.
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Experience with test-to-analysis correlation for structural components.
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US Person (Citizen or Green Card) preferred.
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Private pilot license preferred.
Compensation:
$110,000.00 – $135,000.00 annually. 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
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Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
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Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
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Paid winter break
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401(k) with immediate vesting
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Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
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Free on-site parking
