Senior Manager, Loads & Dynamics

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 182,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer Aviation, based in San Jose, CA, is building an all-electric VTOL aircraft to move people with minimal noise and emissions. We design, manufacture, and operate a four-passenger air vehicle, aiming to advance sustainable urban mobility.

The Lead, Aircraft Loads & Dynamics will guide a multidisciplinary team through design to certification, own the loads roadmap, ensure compliance with 14 CFR Parts 23, 27, and 35, and mentor engineers.

Qualifications

• MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 12+ years in industry with 5+ years in technical leadership.
• Expertise in loads analysis, aeroelasticity, and structural dynamics.
• Experience with rotorcraft and/or fixed-wing development.
• Proficiency in Python and Matlab for automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of engineers for eVTOL loads development.
• Provide technical leadership from design through certification.
• Own the roadmap for loads development; ensure certification compliance (14 CFR Parts 23, 27, 35).
• Oversee static and fatigue loads databases supporting design teams.
• Mentor team members and drive innovation in analysis methods.

Skills

Loads analysis

Aeroelasticity

Structural dynamics

Rotorcraft experience

Leadership

Python

Matlab

Education

MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Finite element modeling

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:

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of engineers specializing in loads analysis, dynamics, aeroelasticity, ASE and rotordynamics for eVTOL aircraft development
• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for all loads and dynamics activities from preliminary design through certification
• Own the technical roadmap for loads development processes, ensuring compliance with certification requirements (14 CFR Parts 23, 27, and 35)
• Oversee the development of static and fatigue loads databases to support airframe, engine, mechanical systems, and propeller design teams
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with aerodynamics, airframe, mass properties, flight dynamics, and propulsion teams
• Drive the development and validation of comprehensive analysis toolchains for loads, aeroelasticity, and rotordynamics
• Manage certification activities related to loads means and methods of compliance discussions with the FAA
• Ensure timely delivery of loads data and analyses to internal and external customers
• Mentor and develop team members' technical capabilities and career growth
• Foster innovation in loads analysis methods for advanced eVTOL configurations including tilting mechanisms and variable pitch systems

What you need:

• MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field
• 12+ years of industry experience with 5+ years in technical leadership roles
• Proven expertise in aircraft loads analysis, aeroelasticity, and structural dynamics
• Strong background in rotorcraft and/or fixed-wing aircraft development
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams and complex projects
• Strong knowledge of finite element modeling and structural analysis methods
• Experience with Python and/or Matlab scripting for loads analysis automation
• Excellent technical communication skills with ability to present to senior leadership
• Experience in fast-paced design environments with competing priorities
• Strong organizational skills to coordinate multidisciplinary teams on time-critical projects

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 $182,000 - $228,000. 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 [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 [e-mail] . All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.