Lead Autonomy Engineer, Rapid-Prototyping Aerospace

Archer; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 138,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, an aerospace company based in San Jose, California, is seeking a Lead Special Programs Engineer — Autonomy Integration. This role leads the autonomy stack design for prototype vehicles, overseeing perception, planning, and autonomy software architecture.

You will support rapid prototyping end-to-end, from concept algorithms to hardware-in-the-loop testing and flight test support. You will own the autonomy discipline across Special Programs, setting standards and methods, while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace, or a related field (advanced degree a plus)
• Demonstrated experience developing autonomy software — perception, planning, or decision‑making stacks — for aerospace, robotics, or defense platforms
• Familiarity with relevant autonomy frameworks, simulation environments, and flight test support for autonomous systems
• Demonstrated ability to work across the full development lifecycle — concept through prototype — in a fast‑paced, resource‑constrained environment

Responsibilities

• Lead autonomy stack design and development for prototype vehicles, including perception, planning, and autonomy software architecture
• Support rapid prototyping efforts end-to-end, from concept algorithms and simulation through hardware-in-the-loop test and flight test support
• Own the autonomy discipline within Special Programs — setting technical approach, standards, and development methods used across the program’s autonomy work
• Produce technical documentation, trade studies, and analysis packages supporting design maturity reviews and decisions
• Represent Special Programs work in internal reviews and, as needed, in discussions with government stakeholders

Skills

Autonomy software

Perception

Planning

Decision-making stacks

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace, or related field

Tools

Autonomy frameworks

Simulation environments

Flight test support tools

Job description

Archer, an aerospace company based in San Jose, California, is seeking a Lead Special Programs Engineer — Autonomy Integration. This role leads the autonomy stack design for prototype vehicles, overseeing perception, planning, and autonomy software architecture.

You will support rapid prototyping end-to-end, from concept algorithms to hardware-in-the-loop testing and flight test support. You will own the autonomy discipline across Special Programs, setting standards and methods, while