Structural Dynamics Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Loads & Dynamics Engineer - Vibrations & Acoustics

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 is seeking a Senior Loads & Dynamics Engineer specializing in vibrations and acoustics to lead the development, analysis, and validation of structural loads and dynamic environments for our nine-passenger EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft. You will own critical loads, vibration, and acoustic analyses across all phases of aircraft development, from concept through certification.

What You'll Do

• Lead the development of static, dynamic, vibration, and acoustic loads for airframe structures, propulsion systems, and installed equipment.
• Own loads and dynamics tasks from conceptual definition through detailed analysis and certification.
• Manage contractors developing loads, flutter, and acoustic data to support overall program objectives.
• Define vibration and acoustic environments (random, sine, shock, and acoustic spectra) for structural sizing, stress analysis, and equipment qualification.
• Perform and support coupled loads analyses (CLA), modal analyses, and frequency response assessments.
• Collaborate closely with airframe design, stress, propulsion, systems, and test teams to ensure accurate translation of loads into structural and system requirements.
• Support ground and flight test activities, including vibration and acoustic testing, data reduction, and test-to-analysis correlation.
• Contribute to the development of structural dynamic models (finite element-based) in support of loads, vibration, and acoustic analysis.
• Prepare and present at internal technical reviews.
• Interface with suppliers to define vibration and acoustic requirements for externally sourced components and systems.
• Continuously improve Electra's loads, dynamics, and vibroacoustic analysis methods, tools, and processes.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in aircraft loads, structural dynamics, vibrations, or acoustics engineering.
• Strong understanding of aircraft loads development, structural dynamics, vibration, and acoustic fundamentals.
• Demonstrated experience developing and applying static and dynamic load cases for structural sizing and certification.
• Proficiency with finite element-based analysis tools (e.g., NASTRAN, FEMAP, HyperMesh, Patran, or similar).
• Experience defining and interpreting random vibration, sine vibration, shock, and acoustic environments.
• Familiarity with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 structural and dynamic certification requirements.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical results through formal reports, presentations, and cross-functional discussions.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple analysis efforts in a fast-paced development environment.

Bonus Points

• Experience supporting flight test or ground test for vibration and acoustic qualification.
• Background in hybrid-electric, eSTOL/eVTOL, or advanced aircraft development programs.
• Experience with test analysis correlation and model validation.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD or RTCA vibration and acoustic standards.
• Experience working directly with suppliers on dynamic environment definition and issue resolution.
• Private pilot license or a strong passion for aviation is a plus.

Compensation:

$110,000.00 – $135,000.00 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

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.