Senior Autonomy Systems Engineer for Special Programs

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 138,200 - 190,100; Full time

Job summary

Archer is seeking a Lead Special Programs Engineer – Autonomy Integration in San Jose, CA. You will lead the autonomy stack development for prototype vehicles, spanning perception, planning, and software architecture, while supporting rapid prototyping end-to-end.

You will own the autonomy discipline within Special Programs, set technical standards, evaluate new opportunities, and collaborate across Archer engineering teams to meet program needs. A U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS, robotics, aerospace, or related field (advanced degree a plus).
• Experience developing autonomy software — perception, planning, or decision-making stacks.
• Familiarity with autonomy frameworks, simulation environments, and flight test support.
• Experience across full development lifecycle in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead autonomy stack design and development for prototype vehicles, including perception, planning, and software architecture.
• Support rapid prototyping end-to-end from concept algorithms to hardware-in-the-loop test and flight test support.
• Own the autonomy discipline within Special Programs and set technical approach and development methods.
• Assess technical feasibility of new opportunities and required approaches.
• Serve as a cross-functional technical contributor across Special Programs when needed.
• Collaborate with program leads and broader Archer teams to align technical approaches with timelines.
• Produce technical documentation, trade studies, and analysis packages for reviews and decisions.
• Represent Special Programs in internal reviews and with government stakeholders.

Skills

Autonomy software

Cross-discipline collaboration

System-level thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace, or related field

Advanced degree a plus

Tools

Autonomy frameworks

Simulation environments

Flight test support

Job description

Archer is seeking a Lead Special Programs Engineer – Autonomy Integration in San Jose, CA. You will lead the autonomy stack development for prototype vehicles, spanning perception, planning, and software architecture, while supporting rapid prototyping end-to-end.

You will own the autonomy discipline within Special Programs, set technical standards, evaluate new opportunities, and collaborate across Archer engineering teams to meet program needs. A U.S.