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Propulsion Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Electra

Principal Flight Controls Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Coordinate across disciplines including systems engineering, safety, software, propulsion, and ... flight controls or related aerospace systems development. * Experience supporting aircraft ...

JBG SMITH

Operating Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$58.20/hr

Military experience working in mission control rooms, propulsion plants, or other mission-critical ... Work as a controls engineer or controls technician for building automation systems (BAS) / energy ...

JBG SMITH

Operating Engineer

Arlington, VA

$58.20/hr

Military experience working in mission control rooms, propulsion plants, or other mission-critical ... Work as a controls engineer or controls technician for building automation systems (BAS) / energy ...

JBG SMITH

Operating Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$58.20/hr

Military experience working in mission control rooms, propulsion plants, or other mission-critical ... Work as a controls engineer or controls technician for building automation systems (BAS) / energy ...

Prolim Global

Mechanical Engineer 3

Newport News, VA · On-site

... involving aircraft carrier propulsion plants. Candidates with expertise in steam turbines ... Support the design and development of mechanical equipment, instruments, controls, machinery, and ...

New

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Accomac, VA

$97K - $116K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Newington, VA

$109K - $131K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Buchanan, VA

$87K - $105K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Poquoson, VA

$82K - $99K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Annandale, VA

$97K - $117K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Norton, VA

$99K - $118K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Wytheville, VA

$96K - $115K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Newport News, VA

$89K - $107K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Chesapeake, VA

$95K - $114K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Windsor, VA

$92K - $111K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

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Propulsion Controls Engineer information

What is the difference between Propulsion Controls Engineer vs Powertrain Controls Engineer?

AspectPropulsion Controls EngineerPowertrain Controls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering; experience with control systemsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering; experience with control systems
Work EnvironmentAutomotive, aerospace, or electric vehicle industries; R&D and testing labsAutomotive and hybrid vehicle industries; vehicle testing and development
Industry UsageDesigning propulsion system controls for electric and hybrid vehicles or aircraftDeveloping control systems for vehicle powertrains, including engines and transmissions

Propulsion Controls Engineers focus on designing and testing control systems for propulsion units in electric or hybrid vehicles and aircraft, while Powertrain Controls Engineers specialize in control systems for vehicle engines and transmissions. Both roles require similar technical skills and work environments but differ in their specific focus areas within vehicle systems.

Are propulsion controls engineers in demand?

Propulsion controls engineers are in demand in industries such as aerospace, defense, and transportation, where expertise in control systems, automation, and embedded software is valued. The growing focus on electric and hybrid propulsion systems, along with advancements in automation technology, increases employment opportunities for these engineers. Strong skills in control theory, programming, and relevant certifications can enhance job prospects.

What does a propulsion controls engineer make?

A propulsion controls engineer typically earns a salary ranging from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. They work with control systems, software, and hardware to ensure propulsion systems operate safely and efficiently, often requiring knowledge of aerospace or mechanical engineering and proficiency with control software tools.

What are popular job titles related to Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Propulsion Controls Engineer job openings:

Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs near you

Principal Flight Controls Engineer

Electra

Manassas, VA • On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

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

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.

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.

Compensation Range
$135,000—$165,000 USD

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.

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