Lead Propulsion Engineer - Hybrid-Electric Propulsion & Integration

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

Job summary

Archer invites an experienced Lead Special Programs Engineer – Propulsion Technologies & Integration to join our Silicon Valley-based team. You will lead propulsion design, modeling, and propulsion-airframe integration for prototype vehicles and defense-focused programs.

The role emphasizes rapid prototyping, cross-functional collaboration, and technical ownership in a fast-paced environment with opportunities to interact with government stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion Engineering (advanced degree a plus).
• Experience in aircraft propulsion design and analysis, including performance modeling and propulsion-airframe integration.
• Knowledge of hybrid-electric or turbo-generator propulsion architectures a plus.
• Ability to work across the full development lifecycle — concept through prototype — in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment.
• Experience evaluating technical feasibility of early-stage concepts, not just executing defined requirements.
• Willingness to contribute outside core focus area to support program needs.
• Ability to work independently with significant technical ownership and no direct-report structure.
• 8–12 years of 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 and able to obtain/maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead propulsion system design and analysis for prototype vehicles, including engine/motor sizing, performance modeling, BSFC and fuel-burn analysis, and propulsion-airframe integration.
• Support rapid prototyping efforts end-to-end, from concept sizing through detailed design, bench/ground test, and flight test support.
• Own the propulsion discipline within Special Programs — setting technical approach, standards, and analysis methods used across the program’s propulsion 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.

Skills

Propulsion design

Performance modeling

Propulsion-airframe integration

Hybrid-electric propulsion

Full development lifecycle

Feasibility evaluation

Independent ownership

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion Engineering

Job description

Archer invites an experienced Lead Special Programs Engineer – Propulsion Technologies & Integration to join our Silicon Valley-based team. You will lead propulsion design, modeling, and propulsion-airframe integration for prototype vehicles and defense-focused programs.

The role emphasizes rapid prototyping, cross-functional collaboration, and technical ownership in a fast-paced environment with opportunities to interact with government stakeholders.