Principal Digital Modeler

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 249,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer in San Jose, California seeks a senior Alias/NX digital designer and industrialization lead with 20+ years of experience to drive downstream production programs. You will create advanced Class-A surfaces, mentor junior designers, and lead design concepts from ideation through manufacturing integration.

A strong portfolio and leadership are essential. Expect a base pay range of $200,000–$248,800 with a pay-for-performance culture.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience as a digital designer/engineer/fabricator with a strong portfolio of delivered programs.
• Expert-level proficiency in Autodesk Alias and Siemens NX, demonstrating mastery in complex 3D modeling and Class-A surfacing.
• Proven track record of leading and delivering high-quality downstream design projects with full industrialization.
• Exceptional design sensibilities and communication skills for presenting concepts to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• iD CAD engineering leadership for downstream production programs across Archer vehicles.
• Advanced 3D modeling using Alias and NX to create detailed surfaces and precise measurements.
• Surface refinement and Class-A surfacing to meet aesthetics and manufacturing requirements.
• Lead concept development and design with cross-functional teams including designers, engineers, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless design-to-manufacturing integration.
• Optimize designs for manufacturability, functionality, and performance in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Stay at the forefront of industry trends to drive innovation within Archer's iD team.

Skills

Digital design leadership

3D modeling

Cross-functional collaboration

Presentation skills

Tools

Autodesk Alias

Siemens NX

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.

As a highly experienced Alias Digital Designer and NX Siemens Industrialization Principal Digital Modeler with over 20 years of industry experience, you will have a senior role in the design process, leading complex projects and mentoring junior team members. Your expertise in both Autodesk Alias and Siemens NX software will be invaluable in creating exceptional 3D models and driving innovation within the design team.

What you'll do:

• iD CAD engineering leadership for downstream production programs: all Archer vehicles for commercial as well as mission specific purposes (such as payload delivery, search & rescue, etc.).
• Advanced 3D Modeling: Utilize your extensive experience and mastery of Autodesk Alias and Siemens NX software to create advanced and intricate 3D models. This includes highly detailed surface modeling, complex forms, and precise measurements, ensuring design integrity and manufacturing feasibility.
• Surface Refinement and Class-A Surfacing: Demonstrate exceptional skills in surface refinement techniques, achieving high-quality Class-A surfaces that meet stringent standards of aesthetics and manufacturing requirements. Pay meticulous attention to curves, transitions, and quality control to achieve outstanding results.
• Concept Development and Design Leadership: Lead the conceptualization and development of designs by collaborating with cross-functional teams, including designers, engineers, and stakeholders.
• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams whilst leading programs, communicating design intent, and integrating feedback from stakeholders, being a proposal lead for engineering concepts. Work closely with industrial designers, engineers, and manufacturers to ensure seamless integration of design and engineering aspects.
• Design Optimization and Engineering Integration: Collaborate closely with engineering teams to optimize designs for manufacturability, functionality, and performance. Apply your deep understanding of engineering principles and manufacturing processes to ensure seamless integration of design and engineering aspects.
• Research and Innovation: Stay at the forefront of industry trends, technological advancements, and emerging technologies with a potential to serve Archer's iD team design ideas. Continuously explore new workflows, techniques, and software enhancements in both Alias and NX Siemens to enhance productivity, efficiency, and design quality.

What you need:

• 20+ years of experience as a digital designer, engineer, fabricator with a strong portfolio of delivered programs.
• Expert-level proficiency in Autodesk Alias and Siemens NX, demonstrating mastery in complex 3D modeling, surface refinement, and Class-A surfacing.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and delivering high-quality downstream design projects with full industrialization.
• Exceptional design sensibilities and a keen eye for detail, with a demonstrated portfolio of outstanding designs.
• Strong program leadership abilities.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex design concepts and ideas.
• In-depth knowledge of design principles, manufacturing processes, and engineering constraints. (such as but not limited to injection molding, composites, electrical, mechanical engineering, fabricated plastic, plastic /aluminum extrusions, RIM, blow molding, thermoforming (pressure forming), Gas-Assist molding, Structural Foam molding, die cast Aluminum/Zinc/ Magnesium, MIM design, CNC parts.).
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.

At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent who 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 $200,000 - $248,800 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.