Lead Flight Controls & Autopilot Engineer Special Programs

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 138,200 - 190,100; Full time

Job summary

Archer in San Jose, CA is seeking a Lead Flight Controls & Software Engineer for Special Programs. You will drive control law development, flight dynamics modeling, and embedded autopilot software for ambitious prototype aircraft systems, collaborating across disciplines to push rapid prototyping from concept to flight test.

This role demands 8–12 years of deep engineering experience, US person status, and the ability to obtain a government security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering field; advanced degree a plus.
• Experience in flight control law development or flight dynamics.
• Experience developing embedded flight control or autopilot software.
• Familiarity with control design, simulation, and embedded software tools.
• Ability to work across full development lifecycle in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to contribute outside core focus area as needed.
• U.S. Person and ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead flight control law design and analysis for prototype vehicles.
• Lead development of embedded flight control and autopilot software.
• Support rapid prototyping from concept to hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Own the flight controls and software discipline within Special Programs.
• Assess technical feasibility of new opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with program leads and engineers.
• Produce documentation and trade studies for reviews and decisions.
• Represent work in internal reviews and with government stakeholders.

Skills

Flight control law

Flight dynamics

Embedded software

Control design tools

Lifecycle development

Feasibility evaluation

Independent work

Security clearance readiness

Education

B.S. in Aerospace/Controls/Electrical/CS Engineering

Tools

Simulation tools

Embedded software tools

Job description

Archer in San Jose, CA is seeking a Lead Flight Controls & Software Engineer for Special Programs. You will drive control law development, flight dynamics modeling, and embedded autopilot software for ambitious prototype aircraft systems, collaborating across disciplines to push rapid prototyping from concept to flight test.

This role demands 8–12 years of deep engineering experience, US person status, and the ability to obtain a government security clearance.