Principal Software Engineer

Job DescriptionJob Description

About Electra:

At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation by developing hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft designed to transform regional air mobility, by making air travel more efficient, quieter, and environmentally friendly. Able to operate from soccer field-sized spaces, our Ultra Short unlocks a new era of aviation through what we call Direct Aviation - the next level of connectivity bringing air travel closer to where we live, work, and play. Headquartered in Northern Virginia, with additional locations in Switzerland, we're building a diverse team of global professionals passionate about redefining the future of aviation.

Position Overview

Electra.aero, a next-gen aerospace technology company, seeks a dynamic and energetic Principal Software Engineer. This role will serve as the technical leader for software development processes on the EL9 program. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aircraft software engineering within a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

• Serve as the program's technical leader for software development processes.
• Define and maintain the company's software development strategy aligned to FAA Part 23 requirements, DO-178C, and SAE ARP4754A.
• Oversee Tier 1 suppliers in the development of safety-critical and non-safety-critical application software, ensuring adherence to program requirements, certification standards, and contractual obligations.
• Develop, review, and approve software plans and process documents (e.g., Software Development Plans, Software Configuration Management Plans).
• Coordinate with Systems Engineering, Certification, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to flow down software requirements and assess supplier capabilities.
• Evaluate supplier software processes and perform audits or reviews as needed to ensure compliance and technical adequacy.
• Support safety and certification efforts including software aspects of certification (SOI) audits and liaise with FAA/EASA representatives as required.
• Provide technical guidance on software tool qualification and verification/validation activities.
• Lead risk management activities related to software development and integration.
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders on all matters related to software development processes.
• Lead and manage the software development process at Electra, from requirements gathering through design, implementation, testing and deployment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline (Master's ).
• 8+ years of experience in software engineering within the aerospace domain, with significant experience in safety-critical software.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of aviation software standards, particularly DO-178C, and experience in software certification and regulatory processes.
• Experience leading software development processes in an aircraft development or avionics program.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and oversee supplier software development and verification activities.
• Strong understanding of system safety principles and software lifecycle management.
• Proficiency in software development tools and , and software testing frameworks and methodologies.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, team-oriented environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 certification programs.
• Experience leading development of safety-critical software (DAL A or B) on a civil certification program.
• Experience across the full life-cycle development of aircraft systems, from initial design and analysis to testing, certification, and operational monitoring.
• Experience working on fly-by-wire and/or electric propulsion aircraft systems.

Location:

• This role is to be based on-site at our headquarters in Manassas, VA to support close collaboration with engineering, certification, and supplier management teams. However, for highly qualified candidates, virtual or hybrid arrangements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Salary:
Electra's salary range for this position is: $160,000.00-200,000.00
Our salary ranges reflect the minimum and maximum range for the Company level overall across all locations & projects and does not necessarily reflect the budgeted amount for this position. Individual pay is based on additional factors, including project budgets, job-related skills, experience, relevant education and/or training, role, level, location, and project.

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 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 , , , , , , , , 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.