Full Time Aircraft Reliability Engineer Jobs in Washington

Senior Reliability Engineer
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.
What You'll Do:
Electra is seeking a Senior Reliability Engineer to lead the design for reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) activities for our EL9 Ultra Short aircraft. The ideal candidate would have experience in reliability engineering on aircraft development programs, including leading analysis initiatives as well as driving design activities to improvement the reliability of the system. This is an incredible opportunity to make a direct impact on a cutting-edge development program.

• Lead reliability engineering efforts across the program lifecycle, including design, testing, analysis, and continuous improvement of the EL9 aircraft.

• Perform RAM analysis, including developing reliability prediction reports, performing failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) and fault tree analysis (FTA).

• Support the development of system-level requirements, specifications, and engineering standards for reliability.

• Work with product development teams to integrate reliability principles into design processes and ensure reliability requirements are met.

• Design and implement reliability testing programs (e.g., Accelerated Life Testing, HALT, and HASS) to validate product durability and performance.

• Prepare and present reliability reports, analyses, and presentations to leadership and project stakeholders.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including design, safety, testing, and regulatory compliance, to ensure successful implementation of systems and processes. Provide technical leadership and guidance on best practices for reliability engineering.

• Other duties as assigned.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline with at least 5+ years of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience)

• Proven expertise in applying reliability engineering principles to complex systems in aerospace.

• Strong experience with RAM-oriented analytical methodologies and reliability modeling tools and software.

• Familiarity with certification processes and regulatory requirements for commercial aircraft (e.g., FAA, EASA).

• Creative thinker with the ability to function in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.

• A strong work ethic and ability to independently execute the areas described by the responsibilities and essential functions.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively interact with cross-functional teams.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Bonus Points:

• Strong knowledge of aircraft systems, including propulsion, avionics, and vehicle subsystems.

• Experience leading development of reliability engineering processes.

• Exposure to full life-cycle development of aircraft systems, from initial design and analysis to testing, certification, and operational monitoring.

• Private pilot certificate.

• Strong understanding of system safety processes, procedures, and analytical methods.

Location:

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

Additional Information:

• Travel: Occasional travel (<5%).
• Onsite Presence: Expected onsite presence at our Manassas, VA headquarters

Compensation
$139,000 - $168,000 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 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

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.
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.