Actuator Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior / Principal Engineer – Electromechanical ActuationAbout ElectraAt Electra, we're building hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft that redefine regional air travel. Our technology enables aircraft to take off and land in soccer field-sized spaces, unlocking thousands of new operating locations and enabling what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, efficient, point-to-point travel closer to where people live and work.A global company headquartered in Manassas, VA, with additional operations in Switzerland, Electra is backed by industry leaders and is 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 Engineer – Electromechanical Actuation, you will serve as the technical authority for our aircraft actuation systems, with primary responsibility for development of the actuation systems on the EL9 Ultra Short Aircraft.You will define requirements, guide supplier development, and ensure delivered hardware meets Electra's performance, safety, and certification standards. You will play a critical role in ensuring actuation systems are fully integrated, validated, and compliant within a highly coupled hybrid-electric aircraft architecture.This is a highly cross-functional and externally facing role, requiring strong technical judgment, supplier engagement, and systems thinking.What You'll DoServe as the technical owner for electromechanical actuation systems, including supplier-developed hardware, across the full lifecycle from requirements through certificationDefine actuator requirements, interfaces, and acceptance criteria, and ensure alignment with aircraft-level performance, safety, and integration needsProvide technical oversight of suppliers, including design reviews, analysis/test evaluation, and issue resolution to ensure compliant, high-quality deliverablesLead integration of actuation systems with flight controls, structures, and electrical systems, ensuring proper functionality, reliability, and maintainabilitySupport certification activities by developing compliance artifacts, contributing to safety assessments, and ensuring supplier deliverables meet regulatory expectationsCollaborate cross-functionally and support system- and aircraft-level verification, including ground and flight testingWhat You'll Bring:Bachelor's degree and 8+ years (Senior) or 10+ years (Principal) of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experienceStrong understanding of electromechanical actuation systems and their application in aircraft or similar systemsExperience integrating complex subsystems into a larger platform, including interface definition and system-level considerationsFamiliarity with systems engineering practices, including requirements development, validation, and traceabilityKnowledge of certification processes (FAA Part 23/25 or equivalent) and safety-critical development practices (FHA, FMEA, FTA)Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively across internal teams and external partnersPreferred QualificationsExperience overseeing suppliers in the development of aircraft actuation systems (e.g., primary/secondary flight controls)Prior involvement in aircraft certification programs, including engagement with FAA or equivalent authoritiesFamiliarity with electric or hybrid-electric aircraft systems and power architecturesExperience with control system development, actuator modeling, or plant characterization and integration with flight control systemsExperience with fault-tolerant or redundant actuation architectures and safety-critical design considerationsLeveling ExpectationsFinal leveling (Senior or Principal) will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, demonstrated skills, and degree of independence and autonomy appropriate for the role.Both levels require a strong foundation in engineering principles and the ability to solve complex technical problems. Differentiation between levels is based on degree of ownership, autonomy, and influence.Senior EngineerApplies broad engineering knowledge to solve complex problems, working under limited directionIndependently develops approaches and executes within assigned scope (supplier oversight, integration, compliance)Collaborates effectively and drives issue resolution with minimal guidancePrincipal EngineerApplies deep, broad expertise to solve complex, cross-cutting technical problemsExercises significant autonomy in defining objectives, approaches, and technical directionServes as a technical authority, influencing decisions and owning outcomes across the actuation domainCompensation:$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 headquartersCompensation 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 position.CommitmentWe 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.