Lead Hybrid-Electric Power Systems Engineer

Lead Hybrid-Electric Power Systems Engineer
Pay: Salary range being confirmed with the client (not yet approved). Shared with candidates at first contact.
Location: Eagle Field Airport, Firebaugh, CA. Bay Area / Palo Alto candidates preferred; relocation candidates welcome.
Schedule: Full-time. Hybrid or on-site; hands-on development and integration work with coordinated visits to Eagle Field.
About the opportunity
Our client is a growing aviation startup building a hybrid-electric drive-and-fly vehicle. They need a hands-on technical lead to own how power is generated, stored and delivered across both the drive and flight phases.
You'll sit under the CTO's technical leadership and work directly with the motor, inverter, battery, Aircraft Systems and test leads. This is a high-priority hire for a team that is expanding through 2026.
What you'll do
Lead integration of generation, energy storage and electric propulsion across drive and flight phases.
Own the hybrid power-flow architecture, operating modes and energy allocation.
Define and verify mission power-flow requirements, and evaluate how the generator, battery and propulsion system interact.
Coordinate interface requirements for BMS, generation control, power distribution and vehicle supervision.
Lead cooling, packaging, protection and maintenance trade studies.
Develop and verify transition strategies, load steps and behavior when a component is unavailable.
Run bench and vehicle reviews and set repeatable acceptance criteria.
What you need
Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, aerospace or systems engineering, or equivalent practical expertise.
8+ years in hybrid or electrified power systems.
Proven cross-discipline technical leadership.
Hands-on experience in EV, range-extender, industrial power or distributed-energy systems.
U.S. work authorization without visa sponsorship.
Nice to have
Aviation or hybrid-aircraft experience.
Practical use of AI tools or automation in your engineering work, with a measurable result you can point to.
Benefits
Compensation, equity and benefits details are still being confirmed with the client and will be shared during the process.
Why apply through Total Aviation Staffing
Total Aviation Staffing connects aviation professionals with opportunities across commercial, business and general aviation, MRO, aerospace and defense, and aviation technology. Applying with us puts you in front of specialized aviation recruiters and gives you access to openings that may not be publicly advertised, even if this role isn't the perfect fit.
Ready to help build a hybrid-electric aircraft? Apply today.