Aerodynamics Engineer, Modeling and Optimization

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer in San Jose, California, is seeking an Aerodynamics Engineer to model and optimize its all‑electric eVTOL aircraft. You will perform high‑fidelity simulations, build linear/non‑linear aerodynamic models, and validate against flight test or wind‑tunnel data.

A BS/MS/PhD in aerospace is required with 2+ years (BS) or 1+ year (MS/PhD) in rotorcraft/eVTOL aerodynamics at full‑vehicle level. Proficiency in Python and experience with gradient‑based/gradient‑free optimization, surrogate

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years with BS, 1+ years with MS, or 1+ years with PhD in modeling rotorcraft, tiltrotor or eVTOL at full-vehicle level.
• Strong fundamentals in fixed‑wing and rotorcraft aerodynamics, performance, stability & control.
• Experience in eVTOL/multicopter aerodynamics design, including 6 DoF trimming and trajectory optimization.
• Experience with gradient-based and gradient-free optimization techniques.
• Experience with surrogate modeling and statistical analysis.
• Experience with experimental data processing and reduction.
• Proficiency in Python programming.
• Experience with software development, OO programming, Git, CI/CD, and Conda.
• Excellent work planning, problem solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform low/mid/high fidelity aerodynamic simulations of Archer eVTOL aircraft.
• Develop linear/non-linear aerodynamic models to predict aircraft behavior and performance over the flight envelope.
• Analyze experimental data from flight tests or wind tunnels to identify model errors and validate models.
• Develop methods to feed flight test data back into aerodynamic models of varying fidelity.
• Contribute to Archer's aerodynamic software stack and workflows.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and pilots for simulator modeling updates and issue resolution.

Skills

Aerospace Engineering

Python

Optimization

Rotorcraft Aerodynamics

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

Python

Git

CI/CD

Conda

Job description

Aerodynamics Engineer, Modeling and Optimization

San Jose, California, United States

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.

Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

What you’ll do:

• Perform low/mid/high fidelity aerodynamic simulations of Archer eVTOL aircraft
• Develop linear/non-linear aerodynamic models to predict aircraft behavior and performance throughout the flight envelope
• Analyze experimental data (either from flight test or wind tunnel) to identify sources of model errors, validate, and improve aerodynamic models of the vehicle
• Develop efficient methods to feed flight test data back into aerodynamic simulation models of various fidelity and complexity
• Contribute to the development of Archer aerodynamic software stack, improving methods and workflows
• Coordinate with other cross‑functional teams and pilots for flight simulator aerodynamic modeling updates and issue resolution

What you need:

• BS / MS / PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
• 2+ years of experience with BS, or 1+ years of experience with MS, or 1+ years of experience with PhD modeling rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL aerodynamics at full‑vehicle level
• Strong understanding of fundamentals of fixed‑wing and rotorcraft aerodynamics, performance, stability & control
• Experience in eVTOL and/or multicopter vehicle aerodynamics design and analysis, including 6 DoF vehicle trimming and trajectory optimization
• Experience with gradient‑based and gradient‑free optimization techniques
• Experience with surrogate modeling techniques (like Kriging methods) and statistical analysis
• Experience with experimental data processing and reduction techniques
• Proficiency in Python programming
• Experience with software development, object‑oriented, version control best practices, as well as Git, CICD, Conda
• Excellent work planning and issue resolution skills
• Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in groups and individually
• Experience in a fast‑paced design environment

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with developing, training, and optimizing neural networks or other machine learning models in the context of aerodynamic modeling
• Experience with wind tunnel and flight test campaigns planning, execution, and data processing, ideally matured on rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL program
• Work experience with rotorcraft comprehensive analysis tools, such as RCAS or CAMRAD2
• Work experience with NASA Overflow and Fun3D CFD software, including meshing
• Experience utilizing high‑performance computing (HPC) to parallelize workflows
• Familiarity with conventional airplane Part 23/25 or rotorcraft Part 27/29 certification basis and test methods
• Familiarity with ASTM standards for fixed wing and rotorcraft
• Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink, and Fortran/C++ coding

Compensation

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay‑for‑performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $140,000 - $190,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Accommodations

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at [e-mail]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis.

Privacy

Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.

Visa Sponsorship

Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.

Equal Opportunity

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Recruiting Agency Disclaimer

Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to [e-mail]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.