Mechanical Systems Engineer - Actuators

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, based in San Jose, California, seeks an experienced Mechanical Systems Engineer - Actuators to lead design, integration, and validation of high-performance electromechanical actuators for its prototype aircraft. You will work across electrical, controls, and thermal domains to deliver an optimized, flight-ready actuator system.

The role requires a mechanical/AE engineering background, 5+ years in actuated mechanisms, and hands-on experience with CAD/FEA tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or related field).
• 5+ years of experience in actuated mechanism or electromechanical system design.
• Understanding of actuator mechanical design and integration of motors, geartrains, rolling-element screws, bearings, brakes, housings, sensors, and electronics.
• Proven ability to take ownership of complex engineering problems through completion.
• Experience in GD&T for mechanical systems, kinematic analysis, and structural analysis methods.
• Materials selection including alloys, heat treatments, allowables, and surface finishes.
• Siemens NX CAD and Simcenter or ANSYS FEA tools.
• Ball and/or lead screw design and analysis.
• Structural analysis (static, modal, buckling, and fatigue).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of electromechanical actuation systems from concept through flight testing.
• Work with suppliers to drive make vs. buy decisions.
• Perform trade studies to optimize system architecture and mass.
• Partner with suppliers and design owners to deliver an optimized integrated system for the aircraft.
• Create and review CAD models, drawings, and engineering specifications.
• Develop actuator-system and detailed component specifications and requirements.
• Build and maintain system-level models to validate actuator performance.
• Develop test plans and test benches for component development and qualification.
• Analyze test data and implement design improvements based on findings.
• Serve as the primary technical expert for triaging and resolving critical design and development issues.
• Lead design reviews and provide technical expertise for key decisions.
• Lead by example through hands-on problem solving and engineering rigor.
• Document testing and design validation best practices.
• Collaborate with systems, safety, and reliability teams to ensure validated requirements.
• Drive cross-functional project teams with manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and test engineering.

Skills

Actuated mechanism design

Electromechanical systems

Systems integration

Problem ownership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX CAD

Simcenter

ANSYS FEA

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

Archer is seeking an experienced Mechanical Systems Engineer - Actuators to lead the design, integration, and validation of high-performance electromechanical actuators for our prototype aircraft. This role requires an understanding of actuator system architecture, requirements development, and performance analysis, as well as multidisciplinary integration across electrical, controls, and thermal domains. As part of our prototype engineering team you will pave the way for our production intent engineering team.

What You’ll Do

Design

• Lead the design and development of high-performance, flight-critical electromechanical actuation systems from concept through flight testing
• Work with suppliers to drive make vs. buy decisions
• Perform trade studies to optimize system architecture and mass
• Partner with suppliers and peer design owners including actuator controller, flight controls, GNC, power systems, airframe, and software to deliver an optimized integrated system for the aircraft
• Create and review CAD models, drawings, and engineering specifications
• Develop actuator-system and detailed component specifications and requirements
• Build and maintain system-level models to validate actuator performance

Analysis & Validation

• Develop test plans and test benches for component development and qualification
• Analyze test data and implement design improvements based on findings
• Serve as the primary technical expert for triaging and resolving critical design and development issues

Leadership

• Lead design reviews and provide technical expertise for key decisions
• Lead by example through hands-on problem solving, engineering rigor, and accountability
• Demonstrate best practices in documentation, testing, and design validation
• Collaborate with systems, safety, and reliability teams to ensure requirements are fully validated and understood
• Drive cross-functional project teams, coordinating with manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and test engineering
• Lead and oversee technical performance of partnerships and suppliers for varied levels of subassemblies and critical components

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or related field)
• 5+ years of experience in actuated mechanism or electromechanical system design
• Understanding of overall actuator mechanical design and integration of motors, geartrains, rolling-element screws, bearings, brakes, housings, sensors, and electronics
• Proven ability to take ownership of complex engineering problems through completion
• Experience in the majority of the following areas:
• GD&T for mechanical systems
• Kinematic analysis and optimization
• Structural analysis using hand calculations and finite-element methods
• Materials selection, including alloys, heat treatments, allowables, and surface finishes
• Siemens NX CAD and Simcenter or ANSYS FEA tools
• Rolling element bearing selection and sizing
• Involute gear tooth design and analysis
• Ball and/or lead screw design and analysis
• Structural analysis (static, modal, buckling, and fatigue)

Bonus Qualifications

• Familiarity with PDM systems
• Project or program management experience
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, and/or LabVIEW
• Hands‑on experience in a machine shop or with mechanical assembly (professional or hobby)
• Experience with RTCA DO-160, structural, or actuator mechanism testing
• Demonstrated interest in aviation, such as pilot training or license
• Experience in requirements management tools in the context of aerospace development processes.

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.