Mechanical Development Engineer Intern

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer's summer internship program in San Jose, California offers hands-on experience in electric propulsion engineering, including engine analysis, testing, and design optimization under the guidance of senior engineers.

This 10-week, full-time internship runs from May 26, 2026 to July 31, 2026 (or June 15 to August 21, 2026). Housing and relocation are not provided, and interns are based onsite at Archer headquarters in San Jose.

Qualifications

• Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Technical Foundation: Strong grasp of engineering first principles with a specific interest in drivetrain, thermal systems design or testing.
• Software Skills: Proficiency with 3D CAD software.
• Soft Skills: High attention to detail, a strong hunger for learning.
• Hands-on Experience: Prior experience with mechanical assembly, university competition teams (FSAE, Solar Car, Rocketry), or hardware testing is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute electric engine teardowns and detailed component inspections to assess hardware health.
• Drive root cause investigations by collecting, organizing, and analyzing critical data from test results.
• Author technical reports and standardize teardown procedures to improve the efficiency of issue identification.
• Detect and characterize critical anomalies that impact product safety and performance.
• Conduct hands-on mechanical development testing for electric motors and gearbox.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues in real-time using precision measurement tools and testing equipment.
• Create and maintain accurate documentation for test procedures, setups, and results.
• Contribute to field failure analysis activities and implement corrective actions.
• Assist in the creation of Electric Engine DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) documentation.
• Verify and validate Electric Engine requirements throughout the development lifecycle.
• Participate in powertrain system studies to support performance optimization efforts.
• Collaborate with the Motor and Geartrain design teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Participate actively in design reviews, technical deep-dives, and brainstorming sessions.
• Partner with senior engineers to execute technical strategies and solve multidisciplinary problems.

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.

This internship is a part of a 10-week full-time summer internship program opportunity. This role will be based at Archer’s headquarters in San Jose, California and relocation or housing will not be provided.

What You’ll Do:

• Electric Engine Analysis & Forensics
  • Execute electric engine teardowns and detailed component inspections to assess hardware health.
  • Drive root cause investigations by collecting, organizing, and analyzing critical data from test results.
  • Author technical reports and standardize teardown procedures to improve the efficiency of issue identification.
  • Detect and characterize critical anomalies that impact product safety and performance.
• Development Testing & Validation
  • Conduct hands-on mechanical development testing for electric motors and gearbox.
  • Troubleshoot mechanical issues in real-time using precision measurement tools and testing equipment.
  • Create and maintain accurate documentation for test procedures, setups, and results.
• Engineering Process & Design Optimization
  • Contribute to field failure analysis activities and implement corrective actions.
  • Assist in the creation of Electric Engine DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) documentation.
  • Verify and validate Electric Engine requirements throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Participate in powertrain system studies to support performance optimization efforts.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with the Motor and Geartrain design teams to ensure seamless integration.
  • Participate actively in design reviews, technical deep-dives, and brainstorming sessions.
  • Partner with senior engineers to execute technical strategies and solve multidisciplinary problems.

What You Need:

• Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Technical Foundation: Strong grasp of engineering first principles with a specific interest in drivetrain, thermal systems design or testing.
• Software Skills: Proficiency with 3D CAD software.
• Soft Skills: High attention to detail, a strong hunger for learning and a strong hunger for learning.
• Hands-on Experience: Prior experience with mechanical assembly, university competition teams (FSAE, Solar Car, Rocketry), or hardware testing is highly preferred.

Summer 2026 Internship Program Details:

• This internship is a part of a 10-week full-time summer internship program opportunity. Program dates are:
  • May 26, 2026 - July 31, 2026
  • June 15, 2026 - August 21, 2026
    • *We will not be able to accommodate interns outside of these two program dates.
• This role will be based at Archer in San Jose, CA
• Relocation and housing will not be provided.

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $25.00 - $35.00 per hour. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as 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-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.