Staff Aeroacoustics Engineer

Electra is building the EL9 — a nine‑passenger, hybrid‑electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Their Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables Direct Aviation: quiet, point‑to‑point regional travel that avoids the congestion of major airports and the noise of conventional aviation. Headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and has over 2,000 intent‑to‑purchase orders from operators worldwide. The company’s ~100‑person team is moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030.

About the role

Electra is seeking a Staff Aeroacoustics Engineer to lead the development and validation of Electra’s noise prediction toolchain, analyze the EL9 aircraft acoustic footprint, and design noise‑reduction features on the aircraft. You will own acoustic analyses across all phases of aircraft development, from concept through certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of exterior and interior acoustics modeling and analysis.
• Lead trade studies on noise‑reduction trades, including analysis of design modifications and alternative flight trajectories.
• Manage contractors and interface with academic partners developing acoustic tools and supporting analyses.
• Support ground and flight test activities, including acoustic testing, test planning, data reduction, and test‑to‑analysis correlation.
• Support Electra’s commercial team to perform customer‑specific acoustic analyses.
• Prepare and present at internal technical reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
• 2 + years of experience in acoustics engineering.

Skills

• Strong understanding of electric propulsor performance and aeroacoustics.
• Strong understanding of aircraft noise sources and analysis methods.
• Experience with CFD or vortex‑panel methods.
• Experience with ANOPP2, PSUWOPWOP, or similar acoustic tools.
• Familiarity with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 acoustic 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.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience supporting acoustic flight test or ground test.
• 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 acoustic standards.
• Experience working directly with suppliers on dynamic environment definition and issue resolution.
• Private pilot license or a strong passion for aviation.

Pay

Compensation range: $113,000 USD – $138,000 USD. Total compensation includes a performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; short‑term disability, long‑term disability, and life insurance.
• Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays, plus a paid winter break.
• 401(k) with immediate vesting.
• Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at the Manassas headquarters.
• Free on‑site parking.