Staff Aeroacoustics Engineer

Employer description

About Electra

Air travel is about to become something more: more direct, more accessible, and more connected to the places where people live, work and want to be. Every day in the U.S., people make 35 million trips of 50–500 miles, stuck in traffic or routed through crowded hubs. Chances are, you've been one of them. At Electra, we're changing that with the EL9, a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in just 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology opens up thousands of new places to fly, beyond conventional runways, congested airports and long drives. We're backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell and Safran. Operators worldwide have signed intent-to-purchase agreements for the first 2,200 aircraft we produce, and we're moving toward first test flights in 2027.

Getting a new kind of aircraft airborne takes more than ambition. It takes our kind of bold: people who think big while working in the real world. Who move ideas into action and collaborate without silos. Who put people first and make room at the table for everyone. Who challenge one another without diminishing one another.

Sound like you? Then look beyond what you thought were your own limits, and help us take flight beyond runways.

The Role

Electra is seeking an Staff Aeroacoustics Engineer to lead the development and validation of Electra's noise prediction toolchain, the analysis of the EL9 aircraft acoustic footprint and the design of noise-reduction features on the aircraft. You will own acoustic analyses across all phases of aircraft development, from concept through certification.

What You'll Do 

• Lead the development of exterior and interior acoustics modeling and analysis.
• Lead trade studies on noise reduction trades including analysis of design modifications and alternative flight trajectories.
• Manage contractors and interface with academic partners developing acoustic tools and supporting analyses.
• Support ground and flight test activities, including acoustic testing and test planning, data reduction, and test-to-analysis correlation.
• Support Electra's commercial team to perform customer-specific acoustic analyses.
• Prepare and present at internal technical reviews.

What You Bring 

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master's or Ph.D. degree preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in acoustics engineering.
• Strong understanding of electric propulsor performance and aeroacoustics.
• Strong understanding of aircraft noise sources and analysis methods
• Experience working with CFD or vortex panel methods.
• Experience working with ANOPP2 or PSUWOPWOP or similar tools
• Familiarity with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 acoustic 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 acoustic flight test or ground test. 
• 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 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.

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

• 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.