Propulsion System Technical Operations Lead

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 173,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, an aerospace company in San Jose, California, seeks a Propulsion System Technical Operations Lead to oversee propulsion production support and flight operations. You will lead cross‑functional teams across design, manufacturing, quality, and testing to resolve issues and improve reliability.

The role emphasizes root-cause analysis, data interpretation, and developing standards for technical ops. A BS in Mechanical/Aerospace engineering and 8+ years in related roles are required.

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience in product engineering, manufacturing support, or technical operations.
• Experience leading technical teams and coordinating across organizational boundaries (design, manufacturing, quality, test).
• Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis and technical problem resolution.
• Background in rotating machinery, gearboxes, or electric motor systems.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret test data and performance metrics.
• Knowledge of DFMEA and PFMEA methodologies.
• Strong communication skills with ability to present technical findings to diverse audiences.
• Experience supporting production operations and resolving manufacturing issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical operations supporting propulsion system production and flight operations.
• Serve as primary technical interface for manufacturing quality issues, development testing, and flight test anomalies.
• Establish and implement robust root cause analysis methodologies for component failures.
• Drive resolution of critical technical issues affecting production or flight operations.
• Develop technical standards and best practices for technical operations activities.
• Analyze performance data to identify reliability trends and improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate real-time engineering support for flight test operations and anomaly resolution.
• Establish metrics and KPIs for measuring technical operations effectiveness.
• Mentor junior engineers in problem-solving methodologies and technical analysis.
• Develop strategic roadmap for technical operations capabilities and process improvements.
• Create documentation standards for failure investigation reports and corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Root cause analysis

Technical operations

Electric motors

DFMEA/PFMEA

Cross-functional

Data analysis

Manufacturing support

Education

B.S. Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

PLM systems

Configuration management

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.

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.

Specifically, you will…

• Lead technical operations supporting propulsion system production and flight operations
• Serve as primary technical interface for manufacturing quality issues, development testing, and flight test anomalies
• Establish and implement robust root cause analysis methodologies for component failures
• Drive resolution of critical technical issues affecting production or flight operations
• Develop technical standards and best practices for technical operations activities
• Analyze performance data to identify reliability trends and improvement opportunities
• Coordinate real-time engineering support for flight test operations and anomaly resolution
• Establish metrics and KPIs for measuring technical operations effectiveness
• Mentor junior engineers in problem-solving methodologies and technical analysis
• Develop strategic roadmap for technical operations capabilities and process improvements
• Create documentation standards for failure investigation reports and corrective actions

What You Need:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related field
• 8+ years experience in product engineering, manufacturing support, or technical operations
• Experience leading technical teams and coordinating across organizational boundaries (design, manufacturing, quality, test)
• Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis and technical problem resolution
• Background in rotating machinery, gearboxes, or electric motor systems
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret test data and performance metrics
• Knowledge of Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) methodologies
• Strong communication skills with ability to present technical findings to diverse audiences
• Experience supporting production operations and resolving manufacturing issues

Bonus Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Engineering or related field
• Experience in aviation/aerospace technical operations
• Deep knowledge of electric propulsion systems (inc. motors, inverters, gearboxes, propellers)
• Experience supporting flight test operations and resolving flight test anomalies
• Background in reliability engineering and performance analysis
• Experience with PLM systems and configuration management
• Track record of implementing process improvements and engineering standards
• Experience with statistical analysis techniques for failure trending
• Understanding of FAA continued airworthiness requirements
• Experience with supplier quality management and component failure resolution

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 $172,800 - $220,000. 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.

Job posting details for Propulsion System Technical Operations Lead at Archer in San Jose, California, United States. . ClimateTechList gathers 9,000+ job openings from over 477 climate tech companies and updates them daily.