Senior / Principal Flight Physics Engineer

Senior / Principal Flight Physics EngineerAbout ElectraAt Electra, we're pioneering hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft that redefine regional air mobility. Our technology enables operations from soccer-field-sized spaces, unlocking thousands of new locations and enabling what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, efficient, point-to-point travel closer to where people live and work.Headquartered in Manassas, VA, with additional operations in Switzerland, Electra is backed by industry leaders and advancing toward certification. We're a growing team of innovators working at the forefront of sustainable aviation-every hire plays a critical role in shaping the future of flight.The RoleAs a Senior/Principal Flight Physics Engineer, you will lead the development, analysis, and validation of aerodynamic and flight physics models that support the design, performance, stability, control, and certification of Electra's hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft.This role is highly multidisciplinary, requiring deep expertise in aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), aircraft performance, and flight vehicle dynamics. You will work closely with structures, controls, systems, propulsion, flight test, and certification teams to drive data-informed design decisions and mature the aircraft through development, testing, and certification.The ideal candidate is a technically strong aerospace engineer who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment, is comfortable taking ownership of complex technical challenges, and enjoys collaborating across disciplines to develop innovative aircraft solutions. What You'll DoAnalyze and synthesize aerodynamic data from flight testing, wind tunnel testing, CFD simulations, and analytical models to support aircraft design and performance evaluationsLead or support the design and development of prototype systems, test articles, and validation efforts related to aircraft aerodynamics and flight physicsPerform end-to-end CFD analyses, including:Geometry preparationMesh generationSolver setup and executionSolution convergence assessmentPost-processing and interpretation of resultsConduct sensitivity studies related to aircraft performance, stability, control, and aerodynamic characteristicsDevelop, validate, and improve aerodynamic and performance prediction methods across all phases of flightPresent technical analyses and recommendations at gated program reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and certification reviewsDevelop program-level objectives, requirements, architectures, and interface definitions to support aircraft development activitiesSupport aircraft design trades by providing technical assessments of performance, aerodynamic efficiency, mass impact, risk, and certification considerationsCollaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including structures, propulsion, controls, systems, and certification engineeringDevelop automated analysis tools, workflows, and post-processing capabilities using Python or similar toolsSupport correlation and validation of aerodynamic models against test data and flight test resultsCreate and maintain high-quality engineering documentation, reports, and technical presentations What You'll BringBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering disciplineExperience in aerodynamics, CFD, flight sciences, aircraft performance, or related aerospace engineering disciplinesDemonstrated capability generating high-quality aerodynamic meshes in Pointwise for external aerodynamic analyses and complex aircraft configurationsHands-on experience running and interpreting results from aerospace-focused CFD solvers such as Flow360, FUN3D, or comparable high-fidelity CFD toolsStrong Python programming skills for analysis, automation, workflow integration, and CFD post-processingExperience using ParaView or similar visualization tools for aerodynamic flow field analysisStrong understanding of:AerodynamicsFlight vehicle dynamicsAircraft stability and controlAircraft performanceExperience with lower-order aerodynamic analysis tools such as AVL, xRotor, or other VLM-based methodsStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to communicate complex technical concepts to multidisciplinary audiencesExperience working within collaborative aircraft development teamsStrong documentation, organization, and technical communication skillsAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, highly integrated startup environment Preferred QualificationsMaster's or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with emphasis in aerodynamics, CFD, flight physics, or flight sciencesExperience using Flow360 CFD for external aerodynamic simulations and validating results against experimental or flight test dataAdvanced software development capabilities in Python (preferred) or MATLABExperience developing:Automated post-processing workflowsCustom analysis toolsEngineering software pipelinesExperience supporting aircraft development programs from conceptual design through certificationFamiliarity with aircraft systems and multidisciplinary aircraft design processesWorking knowledge of FAR Part 23 certification requirementsExperience supporting advanced air mobility, eSTOL, eVTOL, or hybrid-electric aircraft programsU.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder) preferredLeveling ExpectationsLevel (Senior or Principal) will be determined based on the candidate's experience, technical depth, demonstrated leadership, and degree of influence across the organization.Both levels require strong expertise in aerodynamics, flight physics, CFD analysis, and aircraft development. Differentiation between levels is based on technical leadership, strategic influence, ownership of critical programs, and ability to shape engineering direction.Senior Flight Physics Engineer (8+ Years)Demonstrates broad expertise in aerodynamics, CFD, aircraft performance, and flight vehicle dynamicsIndependently executes complex analyses and develops solutions to challenging technical problemsLeads aerodynamic studies, CFD campaigns, and aircraft performance assessmentsSupports major design reviews, certification activities, and multidisciplinary trade studiesDevelops and validates analysis methodologies and engineering toolsProvides technical guidance to junior engineers and cross-functional teamsDrives issue resolution and technical decision-making with limited oversightContributes significantly to aircraft architecture and design decisionsPrincipal Flight Physics Engineer (10+ Years)Recognized subject matter expert in aerodynamics, flight physics, and aircraft designEstablishes technical vision, methodologies, and best practices for aerodynamic and flight physics disciplinesLeads the most critical aircraft performance, stability, control, and aerodynamic development effortsServes as a key technical authority influencing aircraft architecture, certification strategy, and program directionDevelops novel analytical approaches and validation methods for advanced aircraft configurationsMentors senior engineers and helps shape organizational technical capabilityDirectly influences program-level decisions through deep technical expertise and strategic insightRepresents Electra in discussions with regulators, external partners, suppliers, and industry stakeholdersDrives cross-functional alignment on highly complex technical challenges impacting aircraft performance and certificationCompensation:$130,000 – $180,000 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.What We OfferCompetitive salary and equityMedical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insuranceGenerous PTO, sick leave, and company holidaysPaid winter break401(k) with immediate vestingFree catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters Compensation and BenefitsIn addition to offering an exciting work environment and the opportunity to be part of the team making Ultra Short flight a reality, at Electra, we offer an unparalleled total rewards package. Electra offers employees a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD, and life insurance, generous PTO and sick leave, company holidays, paid winter break, and a 401(k) plan with immediate vesting. Life at Electra includes a variety of perks, such as free catered lunches, amazing coffee, snacks, drinks, fruit, free parking, and opportunities for much more.Working ConditionsWork is typically performed in a warehouse/aviation and office environment, which requires proper safety precautions. Work may require some physical effort in handling light materials, boxes, power tools, prototypes, and different materials or equipment. Due to the nature of our business and projects, some fieldwork may be required, working in both indoor and outdoor conditions. You may need to lift up to 50 lbs.Background & Drug ScreeningSuccessful completion of a background check and/or drug screening prior to starting work may be required for this positionmitmentWe are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those from marginalized or underrepresented groups in the tech industry and aerospace, to apply for our job openings. We firmly believe that a diverse range of perspectives can profoundly influence both our product and our company culture.Electra is committed to a work environment that is inclusive to all and free of discrimination. It is our policy to be an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other factors prohibited by law. Electra will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.Electra is an E-Verify employer.