StellenbeschreibungAbout ElectraAt Electra, we're pioneering hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft that redefine regional air mobility. Our technology enables operations from soccer-field-sized spaces, unlocking thousands of new locations and enabling what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, efficient, point-to-point travel closer to where people live and work.Headquartered in Manassas, VA, with additional operations in Switzerland, Electra is backed by industry leaders and 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.The RoleAs a Senior or Principal Airframe Design Engineer, you will lead the design, integration, and development of primary and secondary aircraft structures for Electra's nine-passenger EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft.This role is responsible for driving structural design activities from initial concept through detailed design, testing, certification, and production readiness. You will work closely with aerodynamics, systems, propulsion, stress, certification, manufacturing, and supplier teams to ensure aircraft structures meet performance, safety, manufacturability, weight, and regulatory requirements.The ideal candidate is a collaborative engineer with deep airframe design expertise, strong CAD proficiency, and the ability to drive complex technical decisions in a fast-paced aircraft development environment.What You'll DoLead the design and development of primary and secondary aircraft structures, including fuselage, wing, empennage, and landing gear integrationOwn structural design activities from concept development through detailed design, certification, and production supportDefine structural requirements, design criteria, material selections, and architecture decisions supporting airworthiness requirementsDevelop high-quality engineering deliverables including:3D CAD modelsEngineering drawingsInterface Control Documents (ICDs)Design reportsConfiguration-controlled product definitionExecute trade studies evaluating materials, manufacturing methods, configurations, and integration approaches to optimize weight, cost, manufacturability, and performanceCollaborate closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, systems, stress, manufacturing, supplier, and certification teams to develop integrated design solutionsSupport structural analysis activities by partnering with stress engineers on static strength, fatigue, durability, and load path considerationsParticipate in and present at major design reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, and certification reviewsSupport supplier selection, technical oversight, manufacturability assessments, and design issue resolutionContribute to design-for-manufacturability, design-to-cost, and production readiness initiativesHelp establish and improve structural design processes, standards, tools, and best practicesStay informed on emerging aircraft technologies, advanced materials, manufacturing methods, and certification requirementsWhat You'll BringBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering disciplineExperience in aircraft structural design, airframe development, and system integrationStrong understanding of metallic and composite aircraft structuresDemonstrated experience supporting conceptual, preliminary, and detailed aircraft designProficiency with 3D CAD tools, preferably Siemens NX or CATIA V5/V6Familiarity with FAA Part 23 and/or Part 25 certification requirementsWorking knowledge of:Aircraft loadsStructural analysis fundamentalsFatigue and durability considerationsStructural integration principlesExperience creating aerospace engineering drawings and configuration-controlled design documentationStrong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skillsAbility to manage competing priorities and execute effectively in a fast-paced development environmentExperience working within multidisciplinary aircraft development teamsPreferred QualificationsMaster's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related disciplineExperience supporting aircraft development programs from concept through certification and productionExperience with hybrid-electric, eSTOL, eVTOL, or advanced air mobility aircraft programsFamiliarity with composite manufacturing processes such as AFP, infusion, or hand layupExperience using finite element analysis tools such as NASTRAN, FEMAP, or HyperMeshExperience with weight optimization, design-for-manufacturability, and design-to-cost initiativesFamiliarity with requirements management and PLM tools such as JAMA or TeamcenterExperience collaborating with suppliers on design, fabrication, tooling, or integration activitiesPrivate pilot certificate or a strong passion for aviationLocation & TravelLocation: Olten, Switzerland . On-site presence is strongly preferred to support collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and test organizations.Travel: Less than 10%Leveling ExpectationsLevel (Senior or Principal) will be determined based on the candidate's experience, design ownership, technical leadership, and organizational impact.Both levels require strong airframe design expertise, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to deliver aircraft structures that meet certification, performance, and production requirements. Differentiation is based on technical breadth, leadership, decision-making authority, and influence across the program.Senior Airframe Design Engineer (5+ Years)Demonstrates strong expertise in aircraft structural design and integrationIndependently owns component and subsystem-level design effortsDevelops and releases detailed design solutions with minimal oversightLeads trade studies and design optimization efforts within assigned areasCollaborates effectively across stress, manufacturing, systems, and certification teamsSupports supplier coordination and technical issue resolutionContributes to design reviews, certification activities, and production readiness effortsProvides mentorship and technical guidance to early-career engineersPrincipal Airframe Design Engineer (10+ Years)Recognized technical leader in airframe design, structural integration, and aircraft developmentOwns major airframe assemblies and drives architectural decisions across multiple aircraft systemsEstablishes design methodologies, standards, and best practices for the organizationLeads complex multidisciplinary trade studies balancing performance, manufacturability, certification, schedule, and costInfluences aircraft-level structural architecture and long-term product strategyServes as a key technical authority during certification, design reviews, and external partner engagementsMentors engineers across the organization and elevates overall engineering capabilityDrives cross-functional alignment and resolves highly complex technical challengesPlays a significant role in shaping future aircraft development approaches and design philosophiesCompensation$130,000.00 – $180,000.00 annually. This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on relevant experience, education, skills, level, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus, equity eligibility, and comprehensive benefits.What We OfferCompetitive salary and equityMedical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insuranceGenerous PTO, sick leave, and company holidaysPaid winter break401(k) with immediate vestingFree catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquartersFree on-site parkingOpportunity to help design, certify, and bring to market a groundbreaking hybrid-electric aircraft that will redefine regional air mobility through Direct Aviation.
