Powertrain Manufacturing Test Engineer

Insider, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 126,700 - 158,400; Full time

Job summary

Archer in San Jose, California is hiring a Manufacturing Test Engineer to lead testing for our High Voltage Electric Propulsion System. This role involves designing and implementing test strategies for high voltage batteries and electric motors while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance production efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and at least 3 years of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive salary between $126,700 and $158,400, emphasizing our commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of manufacturing test engineering experience, preferably in EV battery or electric motor production.
• Hands-on experience with production test equipment.
• Strong understanding of battery and motor manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead End-of-Line and in-process test development for High Voltage batteries and electric motors.
• Design and deploy manufacturing test strategies.
• Analyze production test data to identify trends.

Skills

Manufacturing test engineering

High-voltage safety

Test data analysis

Troubleshooting skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Production test equipment

Automated electrical test systems

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

At Archer, we’re scaling production of our High Voltage Electric Propulsion System — the heart of our eVTOL aircraft, which includes the High Voltage Battery, Electric Motor and Propeller assemblies and represents one of the most technically demanding, highly automated manufacturing systems in our factory.

What you’ll do

• Lead End-of-Line (EOL) and in-process test development for High Voltage batteries and electric motors, covering performance, safety, and system integration
• Design and deploy manufacturing test strategies including hipot, insulation resistance, winding verification, electromagnetic performance, and ESS
• Specify, validate, and commission production test equipment, including installation, FAT, and production readiness
• Program, maintain, and optimize automated test equipment (ATE), test sequences, pass/fail logic, and data collection systems
• Partner with Manufacturing, Design, Quality, and Test teams to integrate test stations into production lines and improve throughput, yield, and quality
• Analyze production test data to identify trends, drive root cause, and implement corrective actions
• Support FAI, production qualification, and manufacturing process changes for new battery and motor builds
• Troubleshoot test equipment and production issues directly on the factory floor
• Develop and maintain test procedures, work instructions, and HV safety documentation
• Own calibration, maintenance, and validation of manufacturing test equipment
• Contribute to PFMEA and in-process quality control strategy

What you need

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent
• 3+ years of manufacturing test engineering experience; EV battery or electric motor production strongly preferred
• Hands‑on experience with production test equipment and automated electrical test systems
• Strong understanding of high‑voltage safety, battery and motor manufacturing processes
• Experience with battery testing (capacity, IR, balancing, BMS configuration) and motor testing (back‑EMF, insulation, ESS, dyno, torque/speed characterization)
• Proficiency in test data analysis, SPC, and manufacturing test data systems (MES)
• Experience bringing production test equipment from prototype through mass production
• Strong troubleshooting skills across test equipment, product, and process issues
• Comfortable working on the production floor with technicians and operators
• Ability to create, validate, and sustain manufacturing test procedures and work instructions
• Solid communication skills and experience working cross‑functionally

Bonus Qualifications

• Direct experience in battery module/pack and/or electric motor manufacturing
• Familiarity with battery and motor production processes (welding, winding, balancing, automated assembly)
• Experience with BMS or motor controller programming and EOL configuration
• Knowledge of industrial communications (CAN, Ethernet/IP, Modbus) and PLC‑based automation
• Experience with dynamometer testing, power electronics, or motor control
• Exposure to aerospace manufacturing, AS9100, or eVTOL programs
• Experience with lean manufacturing and production ramp‑ups
• Ability to support multiple shifts during critical production phases

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 $126,700 – $158,400. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Archer is committed to provide a safe workplace and a safe aircraft. This is a safety sensitive designated role. Employment in safety sensitive positions is contingent on successful passage of a background check and is subject to pre‑employment and random drug screening.

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.