Lead Propulsion Systems Engineer – Special Programs

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

Job summary

Archer in San Jose, California is seeking a Lead Special Programs Engineer focusing on Propulsion Technologies & Integration to advance next-generation all-electric propulsion for prototype aircraft.

You will lead propulsion design and analysis, drive cross-functional collaboration, and own technical approaches across the development lifecycle, with independence and substantial ownership in a fast-paced defense-oriented program. Archer offers base pay range $138,200 - $190,100.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion Engineering is required.
• Demonstrated experience in aircraft propulsion design and analysis, including performance modeling.
• Familiarity with hybrid-electric or turbo-generator propulsion architectures is a plus.
• Experience across the full development lifecycle from concept to prototype is essential.
• Ability to evaluate technical feasibility of early-stage concepts is required.
• Willingness to contribute beyond core focus area as needed for program needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead propulsion system design and analysis for prototype vehicles, including engine/motor sizing and integration.
• Support rapid prototyping end-to-end from concept sizing to flight test support.
• Own the propulsion discipline, defining technical approach and standards used across the program.
• Conduct feasibility assessments of new opportunities and determine required approaches.
• Collaborate with program leads and broader Archer teams to align technical work with timelines.
• Produce documentation, trade studies, and analysis packages for reviews and decisions.
• Represent propulsion work in internal reviews and with government stakeholders.

Skills

Propulsion design & analysis

Performance modeling

Propulsion-airframe integration

Hybrid-electric propulsion familiarity

Full development lifecycle

Feasibility evaluation

Independent technical ownership

US security clearance readiness

US person per ITAR

Education

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

Job description

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 – Propulsion Technologies & Integration brings deep propulsion engineering expertise as their organic core competency — including hybrid turbofan-electric and turbo-generator architectures — for prototype vehicles and systems.

What You’ll Do

• 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

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion Engineering (advanced degree a plus)
• Demonstrated experience in aircraft propulsion design and analysis, including performance modeling and propulsion-airframe integration
• Familiarity with hybrid-electric or turbo-generator propulsion architectures a plus
• 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 propulsion 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 at [e-mail]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case‑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.