Controls Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 matter at this stage - and this role is no exception.

The Role

Electra.aero is seeking a Principal Flight Controls Engineer to serve as a senior technical authority and flight controls certification subject-matter expert for the EL9 Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft. This role works in close partnership with the Flight Controls System IPT Lead, providing deep expertise in certification, safety, and verification to support system development from detailed design through certification and entry into service.

What You'll Do

• Act as the flight controls certification focal for the EL9 program, owning the functional certification approach.
• Lead development and maintenance of the flight controls functional certification plan.
• Translate regulatory requirements and system safety assessments into certifiable flight control functions.
• Provide technical oversight for verification planning and execution across: analysis and simulation, SIL/HIL, ground and flight test.
• Partner with the Flight Controls IPT Lead to support system architecture decisions and assess certification impacts of design changes.
• Support system safety activities, including FHA, PSSA, and SSA alignment.
• Interface with certification authorities and support technical discussions, reviews, and issue resolution.
• Mentor flight controls engineers in certification, verification, and systems thinking.
• Coordinate across disciplines including systems engineering, safety, software, propulsion, and flight test.
• Support certification closure and entry-into-service readiness.

What You Bring

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or related STEM discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in flight controls or related aerospace systems development.
• Experience supporting aircraft certification and verification activities on safety-critical systems.
• Strong understanding of aircraft flight control systems and architectures.
• Demonstrated experience with certification planning and compliance for aerospace systems.
• Ability to operate as a technical authority and in-house subject-matter expert.
• Excellent communication skills, including authority-facing technical discussions.
• Experience with MATLAB / Simulink-based control development and verification environments.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across IPTs and disciplines.

Bonus Points

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience with fly-by-wire aircraft from development through certification.
• Experience with system-level verification and integration testing.
• Familiarity with eSTOL, powered-lift, or novel aircraft configurations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), certification procedures, and industry standards.
• Prior experience acting as a certification focal or technical lead.
• US Person (Citizen or Green Card) preferred.
• Licensed Pilot preferred.

What We Offer

• 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

Compensation
$151,000 – $183,000 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, equity participation, and comprehensive benefits.

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.