EV eVTOL Vehicle Architect: Conceptual Sizing Lead

archer56; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 173,000 - 238,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pay-for-performance culture

Job summary

Archer, an aerospace company based in San Jose, CA, is seeking a Vehicle Architect to own the conceptual sizing and optimization of a next-generation all-electric VTOL aircraft. You will integrate inputs from structures, powertrain, and aerodynamics into a unified framework, leading configuration trades and engaging with customers to shape missions.

The role requires strong Python and MDO framework experience, and a track record sizing actual aircraft.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in Python for production-quality analysis and optimization tools.
• Experience with multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience sizing actual aircraft that have flown.
• Ability to integrate inputs from aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and mass properties into a single model.
• Experience with rotor/prop sizing, electric propulsion, or payload integration is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain vehicle-level conceptual sizing and optimization models translating mission inputs into MTOW, empty weight, disk/wing loading, and installed power.
• Own and evolve Archer's vehicle-level conceptual sizing and MDO methodology across disciplines.
• Lead configuration trade studies across use cases, balancing performance, weight, cost, and producibility.
• Collaborate with product, systems engineering, and customers to shape missions and define requirements.
• Own mass properties rollup, sizing convergence, and margins for the concept.
• Present trade studies and sizing rationale to customers/partners and incorporate feedback.

Skills

Python

Communication skills

MDO concepts

Aircraft sizing

High-level modeling

Tools

OpenMDAO

AeroSandbox

SUAVE

GPkit

Dymos

Job description

Archer, an aerospace company based in San Jose, CA, is seeking a Vehicle Architect to own the conceptual sizing and optimization of a next-generation all-electric VTOL aircraft. You will integrate inputs from structures, powertrain, and aerodynamics into a unified framework, leading configuration trades and engaging with customers to shape missions.

The role requires strong Python and MDO framework experience, and a track record sizing actual aircraft.