Metrology Engineering Manager

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, an aerospace company in San Jose, CA, seeks a senior Metrology Engineering Lead to drive the enterprise metrology program and ensure digital continuity from CAD models to inspection results. You will steer the strategy for metrology hardware/software, develop robust verification, and lead cross-functional projects across design and manufacturing.

The role requires 10+ years in metrology/dimensional management in aerospace, expert GD&T knowledge, and experience with enterprise metrology

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical, Aerospace, Physics or related field.
• 10+ years in Metrology Engineering or Dimensional Management in aerospace/defense/high-precision manufacturing.
• Expert-level proficiency in metrology software and ability to script/ automate measurement routines.
• Deep mastery of ASME Y14.5 (GD&T) and 3D tolerance stack-up analysis.

Responsibilities

• Report to the Director of Product Quality as primary Engineering Lead for Metrology/Dimensional Engineering.
• Develop and govern the metrology hardware/software integration roadmap with digital continuity from CAD to inspection.
• Lead aircraft inspection plans using MBD and GD&T to maintain design intent in conformity phase.
• Architect verification framework for Midnight program; perform risk assessments and engineering analysis.
• Design, validate, and standardize measurement algorithms for wing dihedral/twist/sweep with laser trackers.
• Provide oversight for procedures, measurement uncertainty budgets, and gauge R&R studies.
• Serve as liaison to Design Engineering to influence Design for Inspection decisions.
• Lead Dimensional Control investigations with root cause analysis to resolve assembly issues.

Skills

Metrology Engineering

Dimensional Management

ASME Y14.5 GD&T

Cross-functional leadership

Scripting/Automation

Education

BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics

Tools

PolyWorks

Calypso

Spatial Analyzer

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

• Report to the Director of Product Quality and serve as the primary Engineering Lead for the development, implementation, and governance of Archer's enterprise Metrology and Dimensional Engineering Program.

• Engineer and execute the strategic roadmap for metrology hardware and software integration, ensuring digital continuity between CAD models and physical inspection results.

• Lead the engineering of comprehensive aircraft inspection plans, utilizing Model-Based Definition (MBD) and advanced GD&T synthesis to ensure design intent is maintained through the conformity phase.

• Architect a robust verification framework for the Midnight program; perform technical risk assessments and engineering analysis on critical characteristics to determine optimal inspection intervals and methods.

• Design, validate, and standardize complex measurement algorithms for critical aircraft features (e.g., wing dihedral, twist, and sweep), utilizing high-precision laser trackers and spatial analyzer platforms.

• Provide engineering oversight for the authoring of technical procedures, ensuring measurement uncertainty budgets and gauge R&R studies meet aerospace structural requirements.

• Act as a technical liaison to Design Engineering, influencing the "Design for Inspection" (DFI) philosophy by reviewing engineering drawings and CAD models for metrology compatibility.

• Lead Dimensional Control investigations into non-conformances, utilizing root cause analysis and engineering principles to resolve complex assembly interface issues.

What you need

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.

• 10+ years of experience in Metrology Engineering or Dimensional Management within aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing.

• Expert-level proficiency in Metrology Engineering software (e.g., PolyWorks, Calypso, or Spatial Analyzer), with the ability to script or automate complex measurement routines.

• Deep technical mastery of ASME Y14.5 (GD&T), including the ability to perform complex 3D tolerance stack-up analysis and influence design tolerances.

• Strong experience in Metrology Systems Engineering, including the selection, commissioning, and qualification of enterprise-level measurement cells (CMM, Laser Tracker, Photogrammetry).

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional engineering projects, bridging the gap between design requirements and manufacturing capabilities.

• Working knowledge of aerospace quality and engineering standards (AS9100, AS9103, AS9145).

Bonus qualifications

• Professional Engineering (PE) license or relevant certifications (e.g., ASQ Certified Calibration Technician or ASQ CQE).

• Composite Engineering metrology, specifically regarding spring-back analysis and the inspection of large-scale carbon fiber structures.

• Experience with Automated Metrology (Robotic Integration) or In-situ monitoring systems in a high-rate production environment.

• Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) results as they relate to predicted versus actual dimensional variations.

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 $117,500 - $155,000. 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-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.