Senior/Principal Airframe Stress Engineer
Electra
Senior/Principal Airframe Stress Engineer
Electra
Develops hybrid-electric eSTOL regional aircraft
About Electra
Air travel is about to become something more: more direct, more accessible, and more connected to the places where people live, work and want to be. Every day in the U.S., people make 35 million trips of 50–500 miles, stuck in traffic or routed through crowded hubs. Chances are, you've been one of them. At Electra, we're changing that with the EL9, a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in just 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology opens up thousands of new places to fly, beyond conventional runways, congested airports and long drives. We're backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell and Safran. Operators worldwide have signed intent-to-purchase agreements for the first 2,200 aircraft we produce, and we're moving toward first test flights in 2027.
Getting a new kind of aircraft airborne takes more than ambition. It takes our kind of bold: people who think big while working in the real world. Who move ideas into action and collaborate without silos. Who put people first and make room at the table for everyone. Who challenge one another without diminishing one another.
Sound like you? Then look beyond what you thought were your own limits, and help us take flight beyond runways.
At Electra, we're building hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft that redefine regional air travel. Our technology enables aircraft to take off and land in soccer field-sized spaces, unlocking thousands of new operating locations and enabling what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, efficient, point-to-point travel closer to where people live and work.
A global company headquartered in Manassas, VA, with additional operations in Switzerland, Electra is backed by industry leaders and is advancing toward certification. We're a growing team of innovators working at the forefront of sustainable aviation-every hire plays a critical role in shaping the future of flight.
As a Senior or Principal Airframe Stress Engineer, you will lead structural analysis efforts supporting the development, certification, and production of Electra's flagship hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft. This role is responsible for ensuring the structural integrity of metallic and composite airframe components through detailed analysis, testing, and certification substantiation.
You will work closely with design engineering, loads, materials & processes, manufacturing, structural test, suppliers, and certification teams to develop robust airframe structures that meet performance, safety, and FAA certification requirements. The ideal candidate combines deep structural analysis expertise with strong engineering judgment and the ability to influence aircraft design decisions throughout the product lifecycle.
Location: Manassas, VA Headquarters. This position requires regular onsite presence to support collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and test teams.
Travel: Minimal
Level (Senior or Principal) will be determined based on the candidate's experience, technical expertise, demonstrated leadership, and ability to influence aircraft development decisions.
Both levels require expertise in aircraft structural analysis, certification substantiation, and aircraft development. Differentiation is based on technical leadership, scope of responsibility, independence, and organizational influence.
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
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.
Compensation Range 130000 - 180000 USD
Electra.aero develops hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft to enable regional air travel between 50 and 500 miles. The aircraft use a blown-lift method to take off and land from spaces smaller than a soccer field, combining helicopter-like flexibility with fixed-wing efficiency and quiet electric propulsors. It plans to sell or lease these aircraft to airlines and service providers, enabling access to small regional airports and non-traditional landing sites while reducing runway needs. Its goal is to decarbonize aviation and make sustainable, affordable regional travel practical for thousands of underserved communities.
Explore more opportunities at Electra