Air Vehicle Program Manager

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer in San Jose, CA, seeks an experienced Engineering Program Manager to lead the Air Vehicle Program Management Office. You will manage subsystem development, schedules, budgets, risk, and supplier relations to deliver certified, production-ready aircraft.

You'll guide cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and quality, drive technical reviews, weight targets, and ensure alignment with company strategy while engaging with regulators and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace/mechanical engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of program management experience in aerospace or similar industry.
• Experience with vehicle development programs (aircraft or automotive).
• Strong proficiency in project management tools.
• Excellence in stakeholder management and communication.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee multiple parallel development programs from concept through certification and production.
• Manage cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality.
• Develop and maintain program schedules, budgets, and risk management plans.
• Drive technical decisions and trade studies for complex system design.
• Coordinate with certification authorities regarding compliance and documentation.
• Oversee supplier relationships and contracts for components and assemblies.
• Report status and present updates to senior executives.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication skills

Budget management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Job description

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:

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Program Manager to lead engineering teams as part of Archer’s Air Vehicle Program Management Office. This role will be responsible for managing sub-system development including schedule and resource planning, risk management, systems integration, and production. The position requires understanding of complex product development programs and experience with various systems, technologies and suppliers in aerospace or similar industries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee multiple parallel development programs from concept through certification and production
• Manage cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality
• Develop and maintain program schedules, budgets, and risk management plans
• Drive technical decisions and trade studies related to complex system design and manufacturing
• Coordinate with certification authorities regarding compliance and documentation
• Oversee supplier relationships and contracts for components and assembled deliverables
• Ensure alignment between program objectives and overall company strategy

Technical Leadership:

• Guide material selection, manufacturing processes and designs
• Oversee integration with other aircraft systems
• Lead technical reviews and design validation activities
• Manage weight targets and structural performance requirements
• Drive risk and opportunity management and cost reduction initiatives

Program Management:

• Develop and track program metrics and KPIs
• Manage program budgets and resource allocation
• Create and maintain program documentation and reporting
• Lead stakeholder communications and status updates
• Run cross functional team meetings related to core team activities
• Report regular status and give status presentations to senior level executives

What You Need:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of program management experience in aerospace/aviation or similar industries
• Experience with vehicle development programs (aircraft, automotive, or similar)
• Knowledge of quality standards and processes
• Strong proficiency in project management tools
• Excellence in stakeholder management
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical abilities
• Strong financial acumen and budget management
• Expert-level presentation and communication skills
• Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams
• Manage multiple suppliers to meet quality, schedule and cost targets

Bonus Qualifications:

• Master's degree in relevant field
• PMP certification preferredExperience with eVTOL or urban air mobility programs
• Background in composites and interiors materials and manufacturing processes
• Experience with FAA certification processes
• Knowledge of aircraft systems integration
• Experience in traditional aircraft/vehicular systems

At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent who 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 $170,240 - $204,800. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

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.

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

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

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.

Job posting details for Air Vehicle Program Manager at Archer in San Jose, California, United States. . ClimateTechList gathers 16,000+ job openings from over 767 climate tech companies and updates them daily.