Principal Engineer, Loads & Dynamics

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

Job summary

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 seeking a Senior Loads Engineer to own the development, documentation, and improvement of the airframe loads development process, collaborating with aerodynamics, airframe, engine, mass properties, and test teams to produce clear, traceable analyses and documentation.

Qualifications

• BS / MS in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience developing processes for loads analysis and downselection for air vehicles
• Proficiency in 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Python

Matlab

Structural analysis

Fatigue analysis

Communication skills

Team collaboration

FAA knowledge

Education

BS/MS in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

NASTRAN

RCAS

CAMRAD

NX CAD

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.

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.