Manager, Design Engineering Structures

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

Job summary

Insider, Inc. is seeking a Leader for its advanced composite structures design team in San Jose, California. This role focuses on the design, development, and certification of composite structures for eVTOL aircraft, ensuring performance and safety.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering and over 10 years of relevant experience. Competitive salary range is offered from $155,000 to $195,000 per year.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in composite structures design and analysis.
• 3+ years of management or team leadership experience.
• Experience with aircraft certification processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the advanced composite structures design team.
• Recruit top talent for team success.
• Drive advanced composite design concepts.

Skills

Composite materials expertise

CAD software proficiency

Management experience

Engineering team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or related field

Master’s degree

Tools

CAD software (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks)

FEA tools (ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus)

Composite analysis tools (Fibersim, HyperSizer)

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, 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.

For this position we are offering $155,000 - $195,000 per year.

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.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience with composite structures and team leadership.

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‑by‑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.

Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to [e-mail]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.