Systems Test Manager

About the company

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.

About the role

As our Systems Test Manager, you'll stand up and lead Electra's ground systems test and evaluation capability from scratch — building it as a service organization with engineering as the primary customer. This is a foundational role: you're not inheriting infrastructure, you're creating it. You'll own everything from instrumentation to simulation labs, and you'll carry full budget and headcount responsibility as you scale the function to meet EL9 certification milestones.

Responsibilities

• Stand up the ground systems test and evaluation capability as a service organization with engineering as the primary customer.
• Stand up an instrumentation capability that supports both ground and flight test.
• Lead development of software and hardware in the loop simulation labs (e.g., hybrid propulsion copper bird; SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators; static and dynamic structural testing).
• Serve as the primary contact for all ground testing and instrumentation with internal customer organizations, including budget and human resource responsibility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience (aerospace/electrical/mechanical preferred).
• 10 years experience in systems ground tests and instrumentation, preferably with test and evaluation at an aircraft manufacturer.
• Experience building test and instrument capabilities, not only operating existing capabilities.
• CAA (FAA/EASA) aircraft certification experience preferred.
• U.S. Person preferred.

Pay

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: $150,000 USD - $180,000 USD

Benefits

• 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.