What are the responsibilities and job description for the Simulation Engineer position at Electra.aero?
About Electra
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. Every hire matters at this stage - and this role is no exception.
The Role
As a Simulation Engineer at Electra, you'll build and maintain the software and hardware in the loop simulation environments that engineering and test rely on to validate the EL9's systems before they fly. This is an early-career role with real ownership - you'll work directly with senior engineers to develop SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and hybrid propulsion, and you'll grow quickly in an environment where your work has direct program impact.
What You'll Do
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. Every hire matters at this stage - and this role is no exception.
The Role
As a Simulation Engineer at Electra, you'll build and maintain the software and hardware in the loop simulation environments that engineering and test rely on to validate the EL9's systems before they fly. This is an early-career role with real ownership - you'll work directly with senior engineers to develop SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and hybrid propulsion, and you'll grow quickly in an environment where your work has direct program impact.
What You'll Do
- Build and integrate real-time simulation models using RTOS platforms and model-based development tools (e.g., Simulink, MATLAB).
- Develop custom interfaces between disparate simulation models and hardware components
- Support integration of SIL/HIL labs and the engineering flight simulator
- Maintain configuration control and documentation for all simulation environments in support of FAA Part 23 certification activities.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with the functional IPTs to define simulation requirements and resolve integration issues.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent experience (aerospace, electrical, mechanical, or software preferred).
- 2 years of experience in simulation development, systems integration, or related engineering roles.
- Hands-on experience with model-based development tools such as MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent.
- Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and hardware interface development.
- Experience with software or hardware integration testing a plus.
- CAA (FAA/EASA) certification program experience a plus.
- S. Person (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required.
- 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.