Principal Battery Systems Engineer

Electra•Manassas, VA

9d•$150,000 - $185,000•Onsite

About The Position

Electra is building the EL9, a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft. Our Ultra Short technology enables quiet, point-to-point regional travel. As our Principal Battery Systems Engineer, you will own the design, integration, and verification of battery systems for the EL9, from early requirements definition through FAA Part 23 certification and entry into service. You will work at the intersection of propulsion, electrical systems, and thermal management, managing key suppliers and collaborating across disciplines to ensure our energy storage architecture meets the rigorous safety and performance standards our aircraft demands. This is a high-ownership, high-visibility engineering role on a program with real momentum. You will interface directly with certification authorities, contribute to safety analyses, and help determine how the EL9's battery system evolves as the technology landscape advances.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline with at least 5 years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
Hands-on experience with lithium-based battery systems, ideally in aerospace or other safety-critical applications
Knowledge of high-voltage power systems, thermal management, and battery safety standards (e.g., DO-311A, RTCA/DO-160)
Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., JAMA) and/or system modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink)
Familiarity with aircraft certification processes and regulatory requirements (FAA/EASA Part 23 preferred)
Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, including traceability, verification, and validation
Supplier management and quality assurance experience
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced development environment
Strong communication skills, written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines

Nice To Haves

Experience with hybrid-electric propulsion system integration
Experience supporting lithium-ion propulsion battery certification for aerospace applications
Knowledge of standards and processes for safety-critical systems (SAE ARP4754, ARP4761, DO-178C, DO-254)
Familiarity with battery management systems (BMS) design and validation
Exposure to environmental and abuse testing of battery systems

Responsibilities

Own battery system development for the EL9, from requirements definition through certification and entry into service
Define system-level requirements, performance targets, and safety criteria for aircraft battery systems
Manage battery system supplier(s) to mitigate technical risks and meet program milestones
Support battery architecture trade studies, thermal management strategies, and electrical interface definition
Lead integration of the battery system with aircraft propulsion, electrical, and thermal management systems, including aircraft installation, maintenance definition, and thermal runaway mitigation
Support battery model development for inclusion in propulsion, aircraft systems electrical, and cost models
Develop and execute verification and validation plans for battery systems, including simulation, lab testing, and flight test activities
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in propulsion, avionics, safety, testing, and regulatory compliance to ensure seamless integration
Conduct and support safety analyses, including fault tree analysis (FTA), failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), and thermal runaway risk assessments
Interface with regulatory authorities (FAA, EASA) to support certification activities, including demonstrating compliance with Part 23 requirements
Author and maintain technical documentation including specifications, test plans, compliance reports, and certification artifacts
Monitor industry trends and advances in battery technology to inform future upgrades and product improvements
Other duties as assigned