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Job description
About Electra
Electra is building the EL9 Ultra Short – a nine-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. By pairing blown-lift aerodynamics with distributed electric propulsion, the EL9 opens thousands of new access points – fields, parking lots, small airstrips – that conventional aviation can’t touch. We call it Direct Aviation: getting people from where they are to where they want to go, without the airports, noise, or emissions.
We’ve filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, hold 2,200 pre-orders, and are backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran. Bristow Group has secured the first EL9 delivery slot. First EL9 test flights are planned for 2027, with certification targeted for late 2029 to 2030.
The Role
We’re hiring a Director of Quality to build Electra’s quality function from the ground up and carry it through Part 23 type certification, production certification, and into rate production. This is a builder’s seat. You’ll stand up the AS9100-aligned quality management system, define the quality requirements that will govern how the EL9 gets built and inspected, develop the inspection plan, lead supplier quality, and own the implementation of an FAA Part 5 Safety Management System. You’ll also build the labor qualification program that ensures every person touching an EL9 is trained, certified, and current.
You’ll partner closely with the Director of Manufacturing Engineering on production system conformity, with Supply Chain on supplier qualification and surveillance, with the Head of Industrialization on quality system architecture, and with the Engineering and Certification organizations on the path to type certification. The quality function you build will be a true partner to Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain – not an oversight gate.
What You’ll Do
Build and own Electra’s Quality Management System, aligned to AS9100 and FAA Part 21 requirements
Lead the path to Production Certificate, partnering with Engineering and Certification to deliver the conformity, inspection, and quality data the FAA will require
Define and implement quality requirements across the EL9 program, from incoming inspection through in-process and final acceptance
Develop the EL9 inspection plan in partnership with Manufacturing Engineering, including First Article Inspection (FAI) processes and the data infrastructure to support them
Stand up the supplier quality function, including supplier qualification, surveillance, performance management, corrective action, and the supplier portal infrastructure
Lead implementation of an FAA Part 5 Safety Management System (SMS)
Build the labor qualification and certification program, ensuring every operator, inspector, and technician is trained and current to the standards their work requires
Serve as Electra’s primary quality interface with the FAA, building the relationship and the credibility that supports the program’s certification milestones
Hire, develop, and lead the quality team as it scales with the program
Establish quality metrics and the operating cadence that gives the executive team visibility into quality performance, COPQ, and risk
What You Bring
16 years of quality leadership experience in aerospace or another regulated, high-complexity manufacturing environment
Demonstrated experience building or substantially transforming an AS9100-aligned quality management system – not just maintaining one
Direct experience with FAA Part 21 and the Production Certificate process
Working knowledge of FAA Part 5 SMS requirements and implementation
Strong supplier quality background, including qualification, surveillance, and corrective action
Track record building inspection plans and FAI processes for new aircraft or comparable complex products
Experience as the primary FAA interface for a manufacturing organization
Demonstrated ability to position quality as a business partner to Operations rather than as oversight
Track record hiring and developing quality leaders
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or equivalent experience
Nice to Have
Experience standing up a quality function for a clean-sheet aircraft program through Part 23 or Part 25 type and production certification
Hybrid-electric, electric, or other novel propulsion program experience
Lean / TPS / Six Sigma background
Experience with composites and metallic structures inspection
Familiarity with NDI processes and qualification
Prior experience scaling a quality organization from prototype through serial production
What We Offer
Competitive salary and meaningful equity in a Series B aerospace company with strategic backing from Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran
Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
401(k) with immediate vesting
Generous PTO, company holidays, and a paid winter break
Free catered lunches, coffee, and snacks at our Manassas headquarters
The chance to build the quality function for an aircraft program that will change how people and goods move
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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Worksite address
manassas, VA, 22110, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.