Airframe Design Lead, Fuselage

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 172,800 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, based in San Jose, California, is seeking a highly skilled engineer to lead the development of structural airframe assemblies for all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of experience in lightweight structures and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.

Responsibilities include overseeing design processes, applying advanced manufacturing principles, and ensuring compliance with FAA standards. The role offers a competitive salary range of $172,800 - $216,000 per year.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience with lightweight structures.
• Ability to design and analyze simple components.
• Deep understanding of laminate design fundamentals.
• Familiarity with FAA aircraft certification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of major structural airframe assemblies.
• Apply understanding of load paths and design practices.
• Provide technical guidance on design concepts.
• Support manufacturing validation for design requirements.

Skills

Lightweight structures expertise

Load paths understanding

Strong CAD skills in NX

Experience with composite parts manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering field

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Catia

Creo

Job description

Overview

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

• Lead the development of major structural airframe assemblies from preliminary design through certification, and manufacturing ramp up
• Apply in depth understanding of load paths, design best practices, and hand calcs to design robust structural configurations
• Apply design for manufacturing concepts to create designs that are cost effective and easy to fabricate at rate. Preferred experience with composite sandwich construction and adhesive paste bonding
• Develop company standards for composite and metallic part CAD models and drawings
• Work closely with and mentor other engineers on the design, stress and M&P teams
• Provide technical guidance on design concepts (risk vs. cost vs. performance)
• Support manufacturing to validate and verify that designs meet requirements and specifications

What you need

• 10+ years of experience with lightweight structures (aircraft, spacecraft, other high performance vehicles)
• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering field
• Ability to design and analyze simple components
• A deep understanding of load paths and laminate design fundamentals
• Strong CAD skills in NX (preferred), Solidworks, Catia or Creo
• Experience with the design of
  • Large bonded structures
  • Sandwich construction
  • Hand laid prepreg carbon fiber
  • Machined metal
• Experience with the manufacturing of composite parts
• Knowledge of FAA aircraft certification requirements for Part 23 aircraft
• Familiarity with PDM systems
• Self-starter, team player, and desire to work in a fast-paced environment

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with analyzing and dispositioning product non-conformances
• Experience with the design of small passenger aircraft or helicopters
• Broad experience across a range of airframe structures (fuselage, wing, pylons, empennage)
• Experience with composite laminate definition in FiberSim

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. For this position we are offering $172,800 - $216,000 per year.

Archer is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status.

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.

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.