Senior Loads & Dynamics Engineer – Vibrations & Acoustics
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
Electra is seeking a Senior Loads & Dynamics Engineer specializing in vibrations and acoustics to lead the development, analysis, and validation of structural loads and dynamic environments for our nine-passenger EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft. You will own critical loads, vibration, and acoustic analyses across all phases of aircraft development, from concept through certification.
What You'll Do
- Lead the development of static, dynamic, vibration, and acoustic loads for airframe structures, propulsion systems, and installed equipment.
- Own loads and dynamics tasks from conceptual definition through detailed analysis and certification.
- Manage contractors developing loads, flutter, and acoustic data to support overall program objectives.
- Define vibration and acoustic environments (random, sine, shock, and acoustic spectra) for structural sizing, stress analysis, and equipment qualification.
- Perform and support coupled loads analyses (CLA), modal analyses, and frequency response assessments.
- Collaborate closely with airframe design, stress, propulsion, systems, and test teams to ensure accurate translation of loads into structural and system requirements.
- Support ground and flight test activities, including vibration and acoustic testing, data reduction, and test-to-analysis correlation.
- Contribute to the development of structural dynamic models (finite element-based) in support of loads, vibration, and acoustic analysis.
- Prepare and present at internal technical reviews.
- Interface with suppliers to define vibration and acoustic requirements for externally sourced components and systems.
- Continuously improve Electra's loads, dynamics, and vibroacoustic analysis methods, tools, and processes.
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
- 8+ years of experience in aircraft loads, structural dynamics, vibrations, or acoustics engineering.
- Strong understanding of aircraft loads development, structural dynamics, vibration, and acoustic fundamentals.
- Demonstrated experience developing and applying static and dynamic load cases for structural sizing and certification.
- Proficiency with finite element-based analysis tools (e.g., NASTRAN, FEMAP, HyperMesh, Patran, or similar).
- Experience defining and interpreting random vibration, sine vibration, shock, and acoustic environments.
- Familiarity with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 structural and dynamic certification requirements.
- Ability to clearly communicate technical results through formal reports, presentations, and cross-functional discussions.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple analysis efforts in a fast-paced development environment.
Bonus Points
- Experience supporting flight test or ground test for vibration and acoustic qualification.
- Background in hybrid-electric, eSTOL/eVTOL, or advanced aircraft development programs.
- Experience with test analysis correlation and model validation.
- Familiarity with MIL-STD or RTCA vibration and acoustic standards.
- Experience working directly with suppliers on dynamic environment definition and issue resolution.
- Private pilot license or a strong passion for aviation is a plus.
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.
Compensation Range
$130,000 - $160,000 USD
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.
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