Senior Program Manager, EL2 European Tour
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.
The Role
Electra seeks an experienced Program Manager to lead the planning and execution of a European tour for Electra's EL2 technology demonstrator aircraft. This role will serve as the primary team lead for the EL2 program, partnering closely with engineering, flight test, government and commercial stakeholders, and company leadership to ensure the tour achieves its strategic objectives safely, on schedule, and within budget. After the completion of the European tour this role will transition to supporting EL9. The exact nature of this support will depend on the candidates specific skills and interest areas; likely options include test team program management, program office support, or leading teams executing government contract
What You'll Do
Tour Planning and Strategy
- Develop a master schedule, budget, and resourcing plan for the tour, including aircraft transport/ferry logistics, ground support, and personnel deployment to meet the overall mission objectives and success critera.
- Coordinate with Sales, Business Development, and Government Affairs to prioritization of target locations, stakeholders, and events (e.g., customer demonstrations, government engagements, airshows) across the tour itinerary.
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Partner with Flight Test and Engineering teams to ensure the aircraft, crew, and support equipment are mission-ready for each tour stop
- Coordinate with Legal, Regulatory, and International Trade/Export Control functions to secure necessary permissions, airspace access, and customs clearances for international operations
- Serve as the central point of coordination between internal teams and external partners, hosts, and government counterparts at each location
- Manage vendor and logistics partners supporting ground operations, transport, and lodging
Risk Management and Execution
- Identify, track, and mitigate risks related to schedule, safety, logistics, weather, and geopolitical factors across tour locations
- Develop contingency plans for schedule disruptions, maintenance needs, or changes in stop-level objectives
- Monitor tour execution in real time and adjust plans as needed to maintain safety and achieve strategic goals
- Maintain clear documentation and traceability of decisions, approvals, and changes throughout the tour
Reporting and Communication
- Provide regular status updates to program and executive leadership on tour progress, risks, and outcomes
- Capture and communicate lessons learned and stakeholder feedback from each tour stop
- Support internal and external communications/marketing efforts related to the tour
- Deliver a post-tour summary with key outcomes, metrics, and recommendations for future campaigns
What You'll Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience (advanced degree a plus)
- US Persons required
- 8+ years in program or project management, ideally within aerospace, defense, or a related complex technical industry
- Proven track record managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs with tight schedules and significant logistical coordination
- Experience working with international operations, export control considerations, and cross-border logistics
- Strong organizational and risk management skills, with the ability to adapt plans quickly in dynamic environments
- Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, flight test, legal, and business teams
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging with government and/or customer audiences
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally, potentially for extended periods
Bonus Points
- Experience supporting flight test campaigns, demonstration tours, or airshow operations
- Familiarity with European aviation regulatory environments and airspace coordination
- Experience working with government or defense customers internationally
- Prior experience with aircraft ferry/transport logistics
What We Offer
- 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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