Program Manager- Flight Demonstrations and Market Development, Europe
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, with wholly-owned subsidiary based in Olten, Switzerland, 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
This role will initially focus on the planning and execution of Electra's European flight demonstration program using the EL2 prototype aircraft. The Program Manager will develop and maintain the integrated plan for each demonstration, coordinating internal teams and external partners from initial site selection through final execution.
The role will manage demonstration routes and locations, regulatory and landowner approvals, operational feasibility, logistics, infrastructure readiness, stakeholder coordination, risk management, and flight-event execution. It will also ensure that each demonstration is designed to meet Electra's technical, regulatory, commercial, and communications objectives.
Building on these demonstrations, the Program Manager will lead Electra's working-group engagements with operators, regulators, cities, transportation authorities, planning offices, landowners, and infrastructure partners exploring future EL9 routes and network opportunities across Europe. The role will help translate stakeholder interest into structured feasibility studies, operating concepts, and a path toward future Ultra Short operations in Europe.
What You'll Do
- Plan and execute flight demonstrations in France, the United Kingdom, Norway, and other potential European locations beginning in 2027.
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Maintain the integrated program plan, including schedules, budgets, approvals, logistics, feasibility assessments, dependencies, and risks.
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Provide regular program updates covering progress, decisions, risks, and required leadership actions.
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Coordinate internal teams across Commercial, Flight Operations, Engineering, Regulatory, Communications, and Legal.
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Engage external stakeholders, including aviation authorities, cities, transportation agencies, planning offices, landowners, infrastructure operators, customers, and logistics providers.
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Lead local Direct Aviation concept studies including assessment of demand, operating economics, aircraft performance, infrastructure and regulatory requirements leveraging and expanding on the tools, frameworks and partnerships developed by the Commercial Programs team.
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Represent Electra at relevant industry events, working groups and professional organizations
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What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, engineering, transportation, engineering management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
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7+ years of relevant industry experience in aviation, transportation, or infrastructure
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Experience supporting flight operations or aircraft demonstrations
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Proven ability to execute projects in complex multi-stakeholder environments
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
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Commercial / business acumen.
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Ability to travel within Europe ~20%.
Bonus Points
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Masters/PhD
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Familiarity with Theory of Constraints/Critical Chain Program Management is desirable.
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Experience in a small, fast-growing, or start-up company environment is desirable
Location
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Olten, Switzerland / hybrid
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and equity
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Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
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Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
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.
