Lead Mechanical Design & Prototyping — Special Programs

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

Job summary

Archer is seeking a Lead Mechanical Design & Manufacturing Engineer for Special Programs in San Jose, CA. You will drive mechanical design, analysis, manufacturing planning, and field deployment for rapid-prototyping efforts across defense-focused projects.

You will own the discipline within the Special Programs group, guiding technical approach while collaborating with Archer engineering teams to meet program timelines. A U.S. security clearance is required or pursued as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (advanced degree a plus).
• Experience in mechanical design and analysis for aerospace or defense hardware.
• Experience with manufacturing processes and design-for-manufacturability.
• Experience with launch, release, or handling mechanism design and with deployment/fielding logistics is a plus.
• 8–12 years of relevant engineering experience in rapid-prototyping/advanced-programs environments.
• U.S. Person and ability to obtain/maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and analysis for prototype systems, including mechanisms, actuation, launch/release hardware, and packaging/integration.
• Lead manufacturing and build planning for prototype hardware, including design-for-manufacturability, fabrication approach, and production readiness.
• Support deployment and fielding of prototype systems, including logistics, handling, and field-support considerations.
• Support rapid prototyping from concept sketches through detailed design, fabrication support, and test.
• Own the mechanical design, manufacturing, and deployment discipline within Special Programs with standard approaches and methods.
• Conduct technical feasibility assessments of new opportunities and evaluate viability of emerging concepts for program needs.
• Collaborate with program leads and broader Archer teams to align technical approaches with timelines.
• Produce technical documentation, trade studies, and analysis packages for design reviews and decisions.
• Represent Special Programs in internal reviews and with government stakeholders.

Skills

Mechanical design

Mechanical analysis

Aerospace/defense hardware

Launch/handling mechanism design

Prototype development

Rapid prototyping

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Archer is seeking a Lead Mechanical Design & Manufacturing Engineer for Special Programs in San Jose, CA. You will drive mechanical design, analysis, manufacturing planning, and field deployment for rapid-prototyping efforts across defense-focused projects.

You will own the discipline within the Special Programs group, guiding technical approach while collaborating with Archer engineering teams to meet program timelines. A U.S. security clearance is required or pursued as needed.