Autonomy Chief Engineer

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 a highly experienced Autonomy Chief Engineer to lead the design and integration of flight autonomy systems on future variants of Electra's flagship nine-passenger EL9 aircraft and other new products. This role will serve as a primary architect and system integrator, with emphasis on understanding the customer use cases to build conviction on the internal requirements before executing the program by maturing the design and partnerships through successful gate reviews.

What You'll Do

Customer and Partner Engagement

Partner with internal government and commercial programs leaders to deeply understand the real needs of the customers, not just their explicitly stated goals

Synthesize these inputs to develop system requirements and concept of operation that define what Electra will develop to.

Assess state of suppliers for various elements of the autonomy architecture including system components, support infrastructure, and data. Lead supplier/partner engagement and selection efforts.

Support internal and external communication of Electra's autonomy strategy

Technical Integration and Design Maturity

Define autonomy concept of operations, functional decomposition, and system architecture

Develop integration strategies aligned with existing EL9 aircraft design

Evaluate architectures and interfaces for completeness, performance, and integration risk

Partner with the EL9 PMO to conduct trade studies for autonomous capability enhancements

Requirements Development and Traceability

Lead the development of requirements for EL9 autonomy system, including both aircraft requirements and non-aircraft associated elements.

Develop operational plan for the system including training systems, operational specifications, minimum equipment lists, etc.

Collaborate with product development teams to ensure sound requirements flowdown and traceability.

Assess verification approaches to confirm practicality and alignment with program objectives.

Gate Review and Development Plan

Assemble development and test plan for autonomy systems

Lead gate reviews as design matures

In collaboration with the Certification Team, support the development of a initial certification strategy with the relevant airworthiness authorities, especially defense authorities.

Provide recommendations to program leadership.

What You'll Bring

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience ( advanced degree preferred)

US Persons required

Extensive experience (typically 12+ years) in flight autonomy or highly automated systems development

Proven ownership of complex autonomous system design and integration

Experience supporting or participating in government certification programs, including FAA and/or defense airworthiness processes

Strong background in formal development processes (e.g., ARP4754B)

Demonstrated technical leadership of engineering teams and supplier engagements, through direct management and/or senior technical direction

Experience conducting trade studies and preparing for design reviews

Excellent communication skills with the ability to deliver clear, actionable technical feedback

Bonus Points

Pilot certificate preferred but not required.

Familiarity with development and test planning for ground and flight activities.

Demonstrated experience supporting or leading certification activities, including FAA or defense airworthiness.

Demonstrated mentorship of senior engineers and IPT leads.

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 $175,000 — $215,000 USD

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.