Manager, Design Engineering Structures

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer is seeking an experienced leader for our advanced composite structures design team in San Jose, California. This role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in composite structures design and team leadership. Responsibilities include guiding design efforts of our eVTOL aircraft, fostering innovation, and enhancing team performance. The position offers a competitive salary range of $155,000 - $195,000 per year along with opportunities for career development.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in composite structures design and analysis.
• 3+ years of management or team leadership experience.
• Experience with aircraft certification processes (Part 23, Part 27, or Part 25).

Responsibilities

• Manage advanced composite structures design team.
• Recruit top talent into the Airframe team at Archer.
• Create and manage performance reviews.
• Drive advanced composite design concepts.

Skills

Composite materials expertise

Design principles

Management skills

CAD software proficiency

FEA tools experience

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Nastran

Abaqus

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.

What you'll do:

We are seeking an experienced Leader to manage our advanced composite structures design team. This role will provide critical leadership and guidance in the area of design, development, and certification of critical composite structures for our eVTOL aircraft, ensuring optimal performance, weight efficiency, and safety while meeting stringent aviation standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify key roles required for team success and recruit top talent into the Airframe team at Archer
• Provide team guidance, regular feedback, education, coaching and mentoring
• Create career development plans, manage performance, and create performance reviews
• Coordinate with product teams to ensure proper resource levels to support program objectives.
• Foster a culture of innovation, safety, and continuous improvement

Development & Innovation

• Drive advanced composite design concepts and manufacturing processes
• Evaluate new materials, technologies, and design methodologies
• Collaborate with suppliers and partners on composite solutions
• Contribute to intellectual property development and patent applications

Required Qualifications

• Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• Master's degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in composite structures design and analysis
• 3+ years of management or team leadership experience
• Experience with aircraft certification processes (Part 23, Part 27, or Part 25)
• Technical Skills
• Expert knowledge of composite materials, design principles, and manufacturing processes
• Proficiency with CAD software (NX (Preferred), CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar)
• Advanced experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Nastran (Preferred), Abaqus, or similar)
• Knowledge of composite-specific analysis tools (Fibersim, HyperSizer, or similar)
• Understanding of laminate theory, failure criteria, and damage tolerance
• Experience with autoclave, RTM, prepreg, and other composite manufacturing processes
• Leadership & Communication
• Proven track record of leading high-performing engineering teams
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities
• Experience working in fast-paced, dynamic environments
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with eVTOL, rotorcraft, or urban air mobility systems
• Knowledge of electric aircraft systems and integration challenges
• Experience with certification of novel aircraft configurations

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in laboratory and manufacturing environments
• Occasional travel to suppliers, test facilities, or regulatory meetings
• Standard office environment with occasional shop floor work

Travel is required quarterly and at the discretion of leadership.

We aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. For this position we are offering $155,000 - $195,000 per year.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Archer is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status.