Principal Engineer, Loads & Dynamics

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 248,000 - 311,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, an aerospace company based in San Jose, California, seeks an experienced loads engineer to own the airframe loads development process. You will collaborate with aero/airframe teams and provide ready-to-use static and fatigue loads, with clear documentation of assumptions and methods for traceability.

You will support wind tunnel and flight test planning, data acquisition, and analysis, and participate in FAA compliance discussions.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Python and/or Matlab scripting.
• Familiarity with software development best practices and version control.
• Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in groups and individually.
• Experience in a fast-paced design environment.

Responsibilities

• Own the development, documentation, and improvement of the airframe loads development process.
• Collaborate with teams interfacing with loads (aerodynamics, airframe, engine, mass properties, mechanical systems, propeller).
• Provide static and fatigue loads consumable by downstream users (airframe, engine, mechanical systems, propeller).
• Document loads assumptions and methods to ensure traceability and repeatability of analyses.
• Support wind tunnel and flight test planning and execution in areas of external airframe loads, propeller loads, aeroelasticity, and aeromechanics; including test plan development and data analysis.
• Participate in loads means and methods of compliance discussions with the FAA.
• Support preparation of certification test plans.

Skills

Python

Matlab

Version control

Communication

Teamwork

Fast-paced design

Education

BS / MS in Aerospace Engineering

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:

• Own the development, documentation, and improvement of the airframe loads development process
• Collaborate with teams that interface with loads (aerodynamics, airframe, engine, mass properties, mechanical systems, propeller, etc.)
• Responsible for providing static and fatigue loads that are directly consumable by all downstream users (airframe, engine, mechanical systems, propeller, etc.)
• Responsible for providing clear documentation of loads assumptions and methods to generate traceable and repeatable analyses.
• Support wind tunnel and flight test planning and execution in the areas of external airframe loads, propeller loads, aeroelasticity, and aeromechanics, including test plan development, instrumentation and data acquisition definition, test monitoring and execution, data analysis and interpretation, and test report writing.
• Participate in loads means and methods of compliance discussions with the FAA
• Support preparation of certification test plans

What you need:

• BS / MS in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
• 10+ years of experience developing processes for loads analysis and downselection for air vehicles
• Working knowledge of structural analysis and test, including a fundamental understanding of strength, stability and fatigue failure mechanisms
• Proficiency in Python and/or Matlab scripting
• Familiarity with software development best practices and version control
• Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in groups and individually
• Experience in a fast-paced design environment

Bonus Qualifications:

• Knowledge of aircraft, rotorcraft, and propeller certification standards (14 CFR Parts 23, 27, and 35)
• Experience with structural dynamics, rotor dynamics, and vibratory loads
• Experience developing FE models (NASTRAN or similar structural solvers) Experience with rotorcraft comprehensive simulation tools (such as RCAS or CAMRAD)
• Experience with fixed-wing and rotorcraft aerodynamics, structures, flight dynamics, and vehicle performance
• Experience in developing loads for eVTOL vehicles and/or tiltrotors, including loads for airframe components, tilting mechanisms, and propeller blades.
• CAD (NX preferred)
• Pilot’s license

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 $248,000.00 - $311,000.00. 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.