Principal Quality Engineer, Supplier QA

About the role

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 ~125 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.

As our Principal Quality Engineer, Supplier QA Support, you'll hold dual responsibility within Electra's Quality organization: supporting our FAA Part 23 Type and Production Certification quality efforts, and leading supplier quality assurance across our procurement and manufacturing base.

Responsibilities

• Uphold Electra's goals, objectives, and policies in a professional manner across all locations, and represent Electra and the Quality department positively in every interaction
• Support Quality's FAA Part 23 Type and Production Certification efforts at our Manassas, VA headquarters and future Springfield, OH manufacturing site, as needed
• Partner with Procurement, Supplier, Manufacturing, Production, and Engineering teams through meetings, on-site audits, and evaluations, providing feedback and periodic status reporting using Electra's standard reporting tools and methods
• Support development, documentation, implementation, and maintenance of a compliant 14 CFR 21.137 Quality Management System, including First Article Inspections (FAI), and help prevent non-conforming parts, articles, and defects while maintaining a safety- and quality-first presence at all times
• Support development, documentation, implementation, and maintenance of a compliant AS9100D / AS9102 quality system as company objectives require
• Provide strategic supplier quality support throughout the supplier selection process, including on-site audits, evaluation of supplier-provided documentation and certifications, and creation and management of an Approved Supplier List (ASL) per FAA Type and Production Certification requirements
• Support company, supplier, and FAA conformity inspections as needed
• Own predictive quality and rate-scaling efforts, applying Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) procedures and Six Sigma / Lean techniques to support Manufacturing and Production rate-increase milestones and objectives
• Provide other Quality support as needed

Requirements

• 10+ years of aerospace quality engineering, supplier quality, or airworthiness experience within an OEM or Tier 1/Tier 2 manufacturing environment
• Working knowledge of 14 CFR Part 21, including 21.137 Quality Management System requirements, and Part 23 Type and Production Certification processes
• Experience with First Article Inspection (AS9102) and conformity/inspection processes
• Supplier quality assurance experience, including on-site audits, supplier documentation evaluation, and Approved Supplier List (ASL) management
• Experience applying Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) and Six Sigma / Lean methodologies to support production rate scaling
• Willingness to travel to and support multiple sites, including Manassas, VA and Springfield, OH
• Strong cross-functional communication skills and comfort operating in a fast-paced, pre-production startup environment
• US Person (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required

Skills

• Bonus Points: Experience implementing or maintaining an AS9100D-compliant quality system
• Direct experience with FAA delegated-authority functions (DAR, DMIR, or DER)
• Experience with novel Means of Compliance for Advanced Air Mobility or eVTOL programs
• Six Sigma / Lean Manufacturing certification

Pay

$150,000 - $190,000 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.

Benefits

• 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