Flight Test Maintenance (A&P)

Archer; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer seeks a highly skilled Flight Test Maintenance Technician to support all aspects of the all‑electric aircraft program. The role emphasizes hands‑on maintenance, testing, and collaboration with engineers to ensure flight readiness for daily test cycles.

Candidates should have an FAA A&P license, extensive aerospace experience, and a track record in developmental or flight test environments. On‑site in California with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant license (A&P) required.
• 8+ years of experience in the aerospace industry.
• Experience with developmental/flight test maintenance is a plus.
• Hands‑on with fly‑by‑wire aircraft and flight test instrumentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and cross‑functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain fly‑by‑wire aircraft per aviation standards using shop tools.
• Perform development, experimental and production maintenance tasks; guide others as needed.
• Maintain flight readiness, plan maintenance policies, and minimize downtime for test flights.

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

• 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; giving direction to others as needed
• Marshall, charge, preflight, & maintain aircraft ensuring they are ready for daily flight test operations by minimizing aircraft downtime and maximizing aircraft availability
• Help create and carry out Flight Test maintenance policies and procedures including 5s, FOD, work orders, tool control, etc
• Follow maintenance safety policies and procedures for ground operations as a part of Archers Safety Management System
• Provide plans and status updates back to the Flight Test Maintenance Manager on assigned aircraft and projects
• Provide input on the design and fabrication of novel air vehicles from a perspective of hands on repairability and maintainability
• Maintain aircraft maintenance records required by FAA regulations, manufacturer recommendations, and company policy
• Comply with Engineering Orders affecting Flight Test Aircraft and communicate aircraft deficiencies to the Maintenance Manager or Engineering
• Ensure calibration of test equipment and tools
• Ensure that products, parts, supplies, and consumables are adequately stocked to meet Flight Testing operations
• Monitor expiration dates for aircraft parts, aircraft/hangar consumable supplies, first aid kits, applicable survival/emergency equipment
• 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
• Assume any duties as delegated by the Flight Test Maintenance Manager

What You Need

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant license (A&P Required)
• 8+ years of experience in the aerospace industry
• 8+ years of aircraft maintenance experience
• Previous developmental or Part 23/Part 27 certification flight test 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

• 10+ 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

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

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 $87,000 - $108,000. 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.