Principal Battery Systems Integration Engineer (Aerospace)

About Electra: At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation by developing hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft designed to transform regional air mobility, by making air travel more efficient, quieter, and environmentally friendly. Able to operate from soccer field-sized spaces, our Ultra Short unlocks a new era of aviation through what we call Direct Aviation - the next level of connectivity bringing air travel closer to where we live, work, and play. Headquartered in Northern Virginia, with additional locations in Switzerland, we're building a diverse team of global professionals passionate about redefining the future of aviation.

Position Overview: Electra is seeking a Battery Systems Integration Engineer (Aerospace) to lead the design, integration, and verification of battery systems for our EL9 Ultra Short aircraft. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in aerospace energy storage systems, high-voltage safety, and hybrid-electric propulsion architectures.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

• Own battery system development for the EL9, from requirements definition through certification and entry into service.
• Manage battery system supplier(s) to mitigate technical risks and meet program milestones
• Define system-level requirements, performance targets, and safety criteria for aircraft battery systems.
• Support battery architecture trade studies, thermal management strategies, and electrical interfaces.
• Lead integration of the battery system with aircraft propulsion, electrical, and thermal management systems including aircraft installation and maintenance definition and thermal runaway mitigation.
• Support battery model development for inclusion in the larger propulsion and aircraft systems electrical model as well as cost models
• Develop and execute verification and validation plans for battery systems, including simulation, lab testing, and flight test activities.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in propulsion, avionics, safety, testing, and regulatory compliance to ensure seamless integration.
• Conduct and support safety analyses, including fault tree analysis (FTA), failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), and thermal runaway risk assessments.
• Interface with regulatory authorities (FAA, EASA) to support certification activities, including demonstrating compliance with Part 23 requirements.
• Author and maintain technical documentation including specifications, test plans, compliance reports, and certification artifacts.
• Monitor industry trends and advances in battery technology to inform future upgrades and product improvements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline with at least 5 years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with lithium-based battery systems, ideally in aerospace or other safety-critical applications.
• Knowledge of high-voltage power systems, thermal management, and battery safety standards (e.g., DO-311A, RTCA/DO-160).
• Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., JAMA) and/or system modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).
• Familiarity with aircraft certification processes and regulatory requirements (FAA/EASA Part 23 preferred).
• Strong understanding of system engineering principles, including traceability, verification, and validation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced development environment.
• Supplier management and quality assurance
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively collaborate across disciplines.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience with hybrid-electric propulsion system integration.
• Experience supporting lithium ion propulsion battery certification for aerospace applications.
• Knowledge of standards and processes for safety-critical systems (SAE ARP4754, ARP4761, DO-178C, DO-254).
• Familiarity with battery management systems (BMS) design and validation.
• Exposure to environmental and abuse testing of battery systems.

Travel: Occasional travel (<10%).

Location: Headquarters in Manassas, VA. To encourage close collaboration, this position is strongly preferred to be on-site.

Onsite Presence: Expected onsite presence at our Manassas, VA headquarters.

Compensation and Benefits

In 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 Conditions

Work 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 Screening

Successful completion of a background check and/or drug screening prior to starting work may be required for this position.

Commitment

We 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.