Powertrain Simulation Engineer

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 208,000 - 268,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer in San Jose, California is building an all-electric VOTL aircraft and seeks a seasoned motor designer to advance propulsion technology. You will lead electromagnetic design, develop multi-physics models, and validate simulations with test data to drive robust, scalable solutions.

The role requires a Master’s in engineering and 5+ years of motor design experience, with expertise in FEM tools and Python/MATLAB for automation and analysis.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Strong mathematical and physical understanding of electrical machinery and electromagnetic theory
• 5+ years of experience in electric motor design, development, or manufacturing
• Strong experience with at least two of the following: FEMM, Ansys Maxwell, MotorCAD, JMAG, or equivalent FEA tools
• Multi-physics simulation coupling electromagnetics, thermal, and mechanical domains
• Model validation and correlation with test data
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB and/or Python for modeling, analysis, and automation
• Deep knowledge of electric motor technologies including PMSM, induction motors, and emerging topologies; thermal management and cooling strategies; mechanical design and manufacturing processes and their impact on motor performance

Responsibilities

• Research and develop novel motor technologies for aviation applications
• Lead electromagnetic design using FEM tools
• Develop high-fidelity multi-physics models coupling electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical, and structural domains
• Create and validate reduced-order models for rapid design iteration and system-level integration
• Develop new simulation capabilities and modeling methodologies to advance motor design processes
• Implement parametric modeling frameworks enabling efficient design space exploration and optimization
• Develop and deploy optimization strategies for motor design including multi-objective optimization of efficiency, power density, thermal performance, and cost
• Perform sensitivity analyses and uncertainty quantification to guide robust design decisions
• Conduct trade studies evaluating motor topologies, winding configurations, cooling strategies, and materials
• Analyze manufacturing tolerances and their impact on motor performance and quality

Skills

Electromagnetic design

MATLAB

Python

FEA tools

EM theory

PMSM knowledge

Optimization

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

FEMM

Ansys Maxwell

MotorCAD

JMAG

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:

• Research and develop novel motor technologies including new topologies, advanced materials, and innovative manufacturing processes for aviation applications
• Lead electromagnetic design using advanced finite element simulation tools (FEMM, Ansys Maxwell, MotorCAD, JMAG, or equivalent)
• Develop high-fidelity multi-physics models coupling electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical, and structural domains
• Create and validate reduced-order models for rapid design iteration and system-level integration
• Develop new simulation capabilities and modeling methodologies to advance motor design processes
• Implement parametric modeling frameworks enabling efficient design space exploration and optimization
• Develop and deploy optimization strategies for motor design including multi-objective optimization of efficiency, power density, thermal performance, and cost
• Perform sensitivity analyses and uncertainty quantification to guide robust design decisions
• Conduct trade studies evaluating motor topologies, winding configurations, cooling strategies, and materials
• Analyze manufacturing tolerances and their impact on motor performance and quality

What You Need:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Strong mathematical and physical understanding of electrical machinery and electromagnetic theory
• 5+ years of experience in electric motor design, development, or manufacturing
• Expert-level proficiency with electromagnetic finite element simulation tools including:
  • Required: Strong experience with at least two of the following: FEMM, Ansys Maxwell, MotorCAD, JMAG, or equivalent FEA tools
  • Multi-physics simulation coupling electromagnetics, thermal, and mechanical domains
  • Model validation and correlation with test data
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB and/or Python for modeling, analysis, and automation
• Deep knowledge of electric motor technologies including:
  • Permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), induction motors, and emerging topologies
  • Electromagnetic design principles and optimization
  • Thermal management and cooling strategies
  • Mechanical design including rotor dynamics and structural analysis
  • Manufacturing processes and their impact on motor performance

Bonus Requirements:

• Proven track record of developing new motor technologies from concept through production
• Experience managing technology development programs with multiple stakeholders
• Strong communication skills with ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently and drive technical initiatives
• Experience with design for manufacturing and design for cost (DFM/DFC) principles
• Familiarity with motor control strategies and power electronics integration
• Experience with:
  • Advanced materials including soft magnetic composites, silicon steel, and high-temperature magnets
  • Additive manufacturing and advanced winding techniques
  • Design of experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis methods
  • Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and real-time simulation

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 $208,080.00 - $267,600.00. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

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 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.