Senior Compensation Manager

archer56; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Reasonable accommodations

Competitive base pay

Job summary

Archer Aviation is seeking a Senior Compensation Manager to join the Total Rewards team in San Jose, CA. The role drives end-to-end compensation cycles, develops global salary structures, and partners with executives to shape pay strategy in a high-growth environment.

The position requires 7+ years in broad-based compensation, expert market pricing, and advanced Excel modeling. A CCP certification and global program experience are a plus.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of broad-based compensation experience in a U.S. public company, preferably in high-growth tech/manufacturing.
• Experience leading compensation cycles independently from design through execution.
• Strong expertise in market pricing, salary range development, and benchmarking using major survey sources.
• Advanced Excel proficiency with complex models and deep data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end compensation cycles, including annual merit, promotions, and off-cycle processes.
• Develop and maintain global salary range structures through market pricing and benchmarking.
• Partner with senior leaders, HRBPs, Finance, and Legal to design and deliver compensation programs.
• Provide strategic input on job architecture, pay equity, and incentive plan design.
• Translate complex data into clear insights and communicate compensation philosophies to leaders.
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Skills

Compensation strategy

Market pricing

Excel modeling

Stakeholder communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

CCP certification

Tools

Radford/Aon

Mercer

Willis Towers Watson

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.

About The Team

Our team is growing! We're looking to hire a Senior Compensation Manager to join the Total Rewards team.

The ideal candidate brings experience in high-growth compensation strategies and passionate about bridging market data and talent retention. We need someone who thrives on creating scalable rewards systems, optimizing complex pay structures, and building world‑class incentive programs from the ground up.

What You'll Do:

• Lead end-to-end compensation cycles-including annual merit, promotion, and off-cycle processes-from initial planning and modeling through to execution and communication.
• Develop and maintain global salary range structures through rigorous market pricing, survey participation, and ongoing competitive benchmarking.
• Partner with senior leaders, HRBPs, Finance, and Legal to drive compensation program design, governance, and delivery.
• Provide strategic thought partnership on broad-based compensation topics, including job architecture, pay equity, and incentive plan design.
• Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights and effectively communicate compensation philosophies to leaders and managers at all levels.
• Manage multiple priorities simultaneously with a hands‑on, delivery‑focused approach in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.

What You Need:

• 7+ years of broad-based compensation experience in a U.S. public company, preferably within a high‑growth technology or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading compensation cycles independently from design through execution.
• Strong expertise in market pricing, salary range development, and competitive benchmarking using major survey sources (e.g., Radford/Aon, Mercer, Willis Towers Watson).
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with a proven track record of building complex models and conducting deep data analysis.
• A self‑driven mindset with a high standard for accuracy, capable of managing competing priorities and delivering quality work with minimal oversight in an ambiguous environment.
• Excellent communication and critical thinking skills, with the ability to present complex compensation concepts clearly to non‑compensation audiences.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; an advanced degree or CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) designation is a plus.
• Experience managing global compensation programs.
• Prior compensation experience in the manufacturing, aerospace, airline, or automotive sectors.

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 $180,000 - $210,000. 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.

Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agen