Hybrid-Electric Powertrain Architect for eVTOL

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

Job summary

Archer is seeking a Powertrain Architect for its San Jose headquarters to size and optimize a hybrid-electric propulsion system for next-generation eVTOL concepts. You will work with Vehicle and Structures Architects to integrate the powertrain within the overall vehicle concept.

The role requires expertise in hybrid-electric propulsion, EM sizing, and thermal management, with strong Python skills and experience in MDO methodologies.

Qualifications

• Background in hybrid-electric, turbo-electric, or conventional turbine propulsion in aerospace or related industries.
• Experience with multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) is desirable.
• Evidence of electromagnetic sizing of motors/generators, thermal management sizing, or battery modeling.
• Proficiency with EM design tools such as ANSYS Maxwell, Motor-CAD, or JMAG is preferred.
• Thermal/CFD tools such as Icepak or Fluent are advantageous.
• Strong Python skills for powertrain modeling and trade studies are preferred.
• Turboshaft/turbine integration experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and trade hybrid-electric powertrain architectures (series, parallel, turbo-electric) including a turboshaft-driven generator.
• Size motors and generators from first principles using electromagnetic solvers and validation.
• Size the thermal management system architecture for all major powertrain components.
• Generate performance and efficiency maps for motors/generators across the operating envelope.
• Model battery charge/discharge behavior to inform sizing and duty cycles.
• Estimate thermal limits and duty cycles for motors, inverters, and batteries across missions.
• Build powertrain models for Archer's vehicle-level MDO stack and integration.
• Collaborate with structures and vehicle architects on packaging and weight constraints.

Skills

Hybrid-electric propulsion

MDO optimization

Electromagnetic sizing

Thermal management sizing

Battery modeling

Python proficiency

Turboshaft integration

Tools

ANSYS Maxwell

Motor-CAD

JMAG

ANSYS Icepak

Fluent

Job description

Archer is seeking a Powertrain Architect for its San Jose headquarters to size and optimize a hybrid-electric propulsion system for next-generation eVTOL concepts. You will work with Vehicle and Structures Architects to integrate the powertrain within the overall vehicle concept.

The role requires expertise in hybrid-electric propulsion, EM sizing, and thermal management, with strong Python skills and experience in MDO methodologies.