Lead Autonomy Engineer – Special Programs

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

San Jose, California, United States

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.

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 – Autonomy Integration brings deep autonomy engineering expertise as their organic core competency — the perception, planning, and autonomy-stack software that lets prototype vehicles operate with reduced human intervention.

What You’ll Do

• 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
• 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 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
• 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 autonomy 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 [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.