Physics Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Staff / Senior Flight Physics EngineerAbout ElectraAt Electra, we're pioneering hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft that redefine regional air mobility. Our technology enables operations from soccer-field-sized spaces, unlocking thousands of new locations and enabling what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, efficient, point-to-point travel closer to where people live and work.Headquartered in Manassas, VA, with additional operations in Switzerland, Electra is backed by industry leaders and 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 Staff or Senior Flight Physics Engineer, you will support the design, development, analysis, and certification of Electra's hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing (eSTOL) aircraft. This role focuses on aircraft performance, flight physics, and multidisciplinary design analysis, helping ensure our aircraft meets demanding operational and certification requirements.You will work closely with aerodynamics, flight sciences, systems, certification, flight test, and aircraft design teams to analyze aircraft performance across all phases of flight, evaluate certification compliance, and support critical design decisions. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills with systems thinking and thrives in a fast-paced startup environment where collaboration, adaptability, and technical ownership are essential.What You'll DoAnalyze and evaluate aircraft performance across all phases of flight, including takeoff, landing, climb, cruise, and failure scenariosIncorporate aerodynamic data from flight testing, wind tunnel testing, and CFD simulations into aircraft performance models and evaluationsAssess aircraft performance against FAA Part 23 certification requirements and support certification activities with regulatory authoritiesConduct sensitivity studies and trade analyses to understand the impact of aircraft design parameters on performance metricsDevelop and maintain performance analysis tools, models, and methodologies using Python or MATLABSupport aircraft design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, and certification reviews) by presenting analysis results and technical recommendationsProvide performance, risk, and mass-property inputs to multidisciplinary trade studies and program decisionsDefine and evaluate aircraft-level requirements, architectures, and interfaces across systems and disciplinesCollaborate with engineering teams to gather, analyze, and interpret data that drives informed design decisionsSupport validation of performance predictions through test planning, data analysis, and correlation activitiesDocument engineering methods, analyses, assumptions, and results with a high degree of technical rigorWhat You'll BringBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering disciplineExperience in aircraft performance analysis, flight sciences, aerodynamics, or related aerospace engineering disciplinesExperience with aircraft certification requirements, particularly FAA Part 23 and/or Part 25Proficiency with Python or MATLAB for engineering analysis and modelingExperience using version control tools such as GitStrong understanding of flight vehicle dynamics and aircraft performance, particularly takeoff and landing performanceExperience with vortex lattice method (VLM) and aircraft analysis tools such as AVL, xRotor, or similarStrong analytical, problem-solving, and systems engineering skillsAbility to effectively communicate technical findings to multidisciplinary audiencesExperience developing and maintaining clear engineering documentationAbility to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, highly integrated development environmentPreferred QualificationsMaster's or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related disciplineExperience supporting aircraft development programs from conceptual design through certificationFamiliarity with aircraft systems and multidisciplinary aircraft design processesExperience analyzing novel aircraft configurations, eVTOL, eSTOL, hybrid-electric, or advanced air mobility aircraftExperience supporting FAA certification efforts and regulatory interactionsFlight test analysis or flight sciences experienceU.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder) preferredLeveling ExpectationsLevel (Staff or Senior) will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, demonstrated technical capabilities, and degree of independence and ownership.Both levels require strong analytical capabilities, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to solve complex aircraft performance challenges. Differentiation between levels is based on technical leadership, scope of responsibility, influence, and autonomy.Staff Flight Physics Engineer (6+ Years)Applies advanced engineering principles to aircraft performance and flight physics analysesWorks under general direction on complex technical challengesExecutes aircraft performance, certification, and trade study analyses with a high degree of independenceContributes technical expertise to multidisciplinary design decisionsSupports certification activities, design reviews, and validation effortsIdentifies technical risks and develops data-driven recommendationsDemonstrates strong ownership of assigned technical workstreamsSenior Flight Physics Engineer (8+ Years)Demonstrates broad expertise across aircraft performance, flight sciences, certification, and systems-level analysisWorks under limited direction to solve highly complex and ambiguous technical challengesIndependently develops analysis methodologies, tools, and approachesLeads major performance evaluations, certification analyses, and multidisciplinary trade studiesServes as a key technical authority for aircraft performance and flight physics disciplinesInfluences aircraft design decisions through technical leadership and data-driven insightsMentors engineers and drives cross-functional collaboration across multiple development effortsOwns critical technical scope and supports program-level decision makingLocation & TravelLocation: Manassas, VA Headquarters. To encourage close collaboration, this role operates in a hybrid environment with 3–4 days per week onsite and some virtual work flexibility.Compensation$110,000.00 – $160,000.00 annually. This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on relevant experience, education, skills, level, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus, equity eligibility, 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 headquartersFree on-site parkingOpportunity to help build and certify a groundbreaking hybrid-electric aircraft that will redefine regional air mobility Compensation 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.