Lead Aeromechanics, Thermal & Acoustics Engineer – Special Programs

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer in San Jose seeks a Lead Special Programs Engineer to own aeromechanics, thermal, and acoustics for prototype aircraft. You will lead design and analysis, drive rapid prototyping, and coordinate across Archer’s engineering teams to deliver advanced aerospace systems.

The role requires a strong track record in aerodynamic performance, thermal management, and acoustics for aerospace platforms, with CFD and acoustic prediction experience. U.S. security clearance eligibility is expected.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in aerodynamic performance analysis, thermal management design, or acoustic/noise analysis for aerospace platforms.
• Familiarity with CFD, thermal/fluid modeling, and acoustic prediction methods.
• Ability to work across the full development lifecycle in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead aeromechanics, thermal, and acoustic design and analysis for prototype vehicles, including modeling and transmission of results.
• Support rapid prototyping end-to-end from concept sizing to bench/flight test support.
• Own the aeromechanics/thermal/acoustics discipline and set technical approaches and standards.
• Conduct technical feasibility assessments of new opportunities and determine required approaches.
• Contribute as a cross-functional technical member outside core focus when needed.
• Collaborate with program leads and broader Archer teams to align with timelines.
• Produce documentation, trade studies, and analysis packages for reviews and decisions.
• Represent Special Programs in internal reviews and with government stakeholders.

Skills

Aeromechanics

Thermal management

Acoustics

CFD

Thermal/fluid modeling

Acoustic prediction methods

Full development lifecycle

Technical feasibility evaluation

Independent work

8–12 years experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree a plus

Tools

CFD software

Thermal/Fluid modeling tools

Acoustic prediction tools

Job description

Archer is an aerospace and defense company headquartered in San Jose, California, building the aircraft and technology that will define the next era of flight. The company works across air taxis, UAS, AI and powertrain development — building real-world systems that combine software intelligence with physical hardware. That includes Midnight, Archer's all-electric air taxi; Halo, an autonomous vertical takeoff and landing aircraft built for both commercial and defense use; and ZEE, Archer's AI foundation model built specifically for aviation. We’re seeking exceptional engineers, operators and builders to join us on our mission to build the future of aerospace and defense.

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.

About the Role

Special Programs is Archer's rapid-prototyping, cross-functional engineering team supporting advanced and defense-focused development efforts. We operate as a small, empowered group capable of moving quickly across disciplines — from early technical assessment of new opportunities through hands-on design, analysis, and prototype development.

The Lead Special Programs Engineer – Aeromechanics, Thermal and Acoustics brings deep expertise in aeromechanics, thermal management, and acoustics as their organic core competency — covering aerodynamic performance, thermal systems, and noise characteristics for prototype vehicles.

What You’ll Do

• Lead aeromechanics, thermal, and acoustic design and analysis for prototype vehicles, including aerodynamic performance modeling, thermal management design, and noise/acoustic signature analysis
• Support rapid prototyping efforts end-to-end, from concept sizing and modeling through bench/ground test and flight test support
• Own the aeromechanics/thermal/acoustics discipline within Special Programs — setting technical approach, standards, and analysis methods used across the program’s work in these areas
• Conduct technical feasibility assessments of new opportunities — evaluating whether emerging concepts, RFPs, or mission requirements are viable within your focus area and what approach they would require
• Serve as a cross-functional technical contributor across Special Programs efforts outside your core focus area when program needs require it
• Collaborate with program leads, other Special Programs engineers, and broader Archer engineering teams to align technical approaches with program timelines and constraints
• Produce technical documentation, trade studies, and analysis packages supporting both design maturity reviews and opportunity/capture decisions
• Represent Special Programs work in your focus area in internal reviews and, as needed, in discussions with government stakeholders

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (advanced degree a plus)
• Demonstrated experience in aerodynamic performance analysis, thermal management design, or acoustic/noise analysis for aerospace platforms
• Familiarity with relevant modeling tools (CFD, thermal/fluid modeling, acoustic prediction methods)
• Demonstrated ability to work across the full development lifecycle — concept through prototype — in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment
• Experience or strong aptitude for evaluating technical feasibility of early-stage concepts, not just executing against defined requirements
• Comfort operating as a generalist when needed — willingness and ability to contribute outside your core focus area in support of program needs
• Ability to work independently with significant technical ownership and no direct-report support structure
• 8–12 years of relevant engineering experience (or equivalent demonstrated experience in rapid-prototyping / advanced-programs environments)
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee), as defined by ITAR/EAR
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance

What Makes This Role Different

This isn’t a seat on Archer’s core aeromechanics, thermal and acoustics team. Special Programs engineers are chosen for deep discipline expertise and the versatility to support wherever a program needs it — from early opportunity evaluation to hands-on prototype work across disciplines. You’ll have significant technical ownership and autonomy, working in a small team built to move fast on some of Archer’s most forward-looking defense efforts.

At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $138,200 - $190,100. Actual compensation offered will be determined by 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.