Flight Test Instrumentation Technician

Archer; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer is seeking an experienced Flight Test Instrumentation Technician to install, test and support flight test instrumentation systems for advanced air mobility programs. You will work with fly-by-wire aircraft, harness assemblies, DAQ systems, accelerometers and related sensors in a smart, collaborative shop environment.

The role requires extensive aerospace maintenance experience, NCATT AET or A&P preferred, and comfort with high voltage systems.

Qualifications

• Hands-on with fly-by-wire aircraft and flight test instrumentation.
• Experience in aviation electrical systems and aircraft maintenance.
• Proven ability to work across cross-functional teams in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Install, test and support aircraft flight test instrumentation systems.
• Build and maintain a fly-by-wire aircraft per aviation standards using tooling.
• Perform development, experimental and production maintenance and testing tasks.
• Help create Flight Test Instrumentation policies and procedures.
• Build and install harnesses, strain gauges, DAQ systems and accelerometers.
• Provide status updates to supervisor and program management.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure tool calibration.
• Ensure adequate stock of parts and supplies for installations.
• Work from technical materials and meet scheduled milestones.

Skills

Flight test instrumentation

Fly-by-wire systems

Team collaboration

Education

NCATT AET or A&P Preferred

10+ years aerospace industry experience

Tools

CAD

NX

Confluence

JIRA

Job description

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, Archer is a leader in the next-gen aerospace sector building an end-to-end advanced air mobility platform that delivers air taxis, unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”), aviation-related physical artificial intelligence (“AI”) solutions, and other technologies to customers worldwide across the commercial aerospace and defense sectors.

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:

• Install, test and support aircraft flight test instrumentation systems to meet Archer requirements.
• Build and maintain a fly-by-wire aircraft according to aviation standards using shop and calibrated tooling including torque wrenches, crimping and stripping tools
• Perform developmental, experimental and production aircraft maintenance, repair, modification, installation, and testing tasks; taking direction from others as needed
• Help create and carry out Flight Test Instrumentation policies and procedures including 5s, FOD, work orders, tool control, etc
• Build and install: Harness assemblies, Strain Gauges, DAQ systems, accelerometers, and other sensor parameters
• Provide plans and status updates back to the Flight Test Instrumentation Technician supervisor and Program Management on assigned projects
• Maintain good recordkeeping of all work performed
• Ensure calibration of test equipment and tools
• Ensure that products, parts, supplies, and consumables are adequately stocked to meet Installation requirements
• Work from a variety of technical materials such as blueprints, schematics, handbooks, drawings, and engineering work orders providing feedback as required
• Meet scheduled timelines and, in some cases, aggressive deadlines to have aircraft flight ready for project milestones

What You Need:

• NCATT AET or A&P Preferred
• 10+ years of experience in the aerospace industry
• 10+ years of aircraft maintenance experience
• Hands-on with fly-by-wire aircraft and flight test instrumentation
• Aircraft configuration management and conformity experience
• Experience working with high voltage systems
• Knowledge of wiring techniques and best practices (crimping, routing, securing, etc.)
• Driving of aircraft tugs, carts, and lifts within an airport environment
• A collaborative attitude, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and meticulous attention to detail with the ability to communicate and build cross-functional relationships
• Work with all levels of personnel and effectively interact with technicians and engineers
• Excellent planning and organization skills, including the ability to give direction to others
• Ability to drive continuous improvement activities to exceed expectations and help promote a professional shop and organizational environment
• Working Hours: Ability to work a flexible schedule may include nights, weekends, and holidays
• Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time

Bonus Qualifications:

• 15+ years aviation experience
• Prior experience with electric aircraft/eVTOL
• Working knowledge of composite airframe and repair
• Underpinning knowledge of IPC 610/620
• Experience working with CAD, NX, Confluence, JIRA

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. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $83,700 - $104,600. 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 .

Certain positions may be eligible for visa sponsorship.

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.