Senior Manager of Design Engineering Structures

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 240,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer’s Airframe organization in the San Jose area seeks a Senior Engineering Leader to direct the composite structures group for next-generation eVTOL programs. You will steer design, analysis, and certification strategies, while guiding a team of around 20 engineers across cross‑functional activities.

You will architect capability roadmaps, drive safety and performance standards, and collaborate with suppliers on advanced composite solutions.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in composite structures design and analysis.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Advanced experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Nastran (Preferred), Abaqus, or similar).
• Understanding of laminate theory, failure criteria, and damage tolerance.
• Knowledge of composite-specific analysis tools (Fibersim, HyperSizer, or similar).
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proven track record of leading high-performing engineering teams.
• Proficiency with CAD software (NX (Preferred), CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar).
• Expert knowledge of composite materials, design principles, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with aircraft certification processes (Part 23, Part 27, or Part 25).
• Experience working in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• 3+ years of management or team leadership experience
• Master’s degree preferred
• Experience with autoclave, RTM, prepreg, and other composite manufacturing processes
• Experience with eVTOL, rotorcraft, or urban air mobility systems
• Knowledge of electric aircraft systems and integration challenges
• Experience with certification of novel aircraft configurations

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of ~20, focusing on recruitment, coaching, performance management, and career development.
• Architect the technical capability roadmap for the structures design group, identifying skill gaps and implementing educational initiatives.
• Champion a culture of innovation, safety, and technical excellence, ensuring alignment with program goals.
• Drive the development of advanced composite design concepts and innovative manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate and implement new materials, technologies, and design methodologies.
• Collaborate with external suppliers and partners to deliver composite solutions.
• Contribute to intellectual property development and patent applications.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional teams

Mentoring

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering/Mechanical Engineering/Materials Science

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ANSYS

Nastran

Abaqus

Fibersim

HyperSizer

NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

• The Airframe organization at Archer is responsible for the structural foundation of our eVTOL aircraft, encompassing the design and integration of all primary and secondary structures
• Our team develops highly optimized, lightweight composite and metallic components, managing the complete structural lifecycle from clean-sheet conceptual layout and detailed modeling through rigorous testing, certification, and scalable production
• By balancing aerodynamic requirements with structural integrity and practical manufacturability, we ensure the physical airframe meets the highest standards of safety and performance
• Lead and mentor a team of ~20, focusing on recruitment, coaching, performance management, and career development
• Architect the technical capability roadmap for the structures design group, identifying skill gaps and implementing educational initiatives
• Champion a culture of innovation, safety, and technical excellence, ensuring alignment with program goals
• Drive the development of advanced composite design concepts and innovative manufacturing processes
• Evaluate and implement new materials, technologies, and design methodologies
• Collaborate with external suppliers and partners to deliver composite solutions
• Contribute to intellectual property development and patent applications
• 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

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience in composite structures design and analysis
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Advanced experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Nastran (Preferred), Abaqus, or similar)
• Understanding of laminate theory, failure criteria, and damage tolerance
• Knowledge of composite-specific analysis tools (Fibersim, HyperSizer, or similar)
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities
• Proven track record of leading high-performing engineering teams
• Proficiency with CAD software (NX (Preferred), CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar)
• Expert knowledge of composite materials, design principles, and manufacturing processes
• Experience with aircraft certification processes (Part 23, Part 27, or Part 25)
• Experience working in fast-paced, dynamic environments
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• 3+ years of management or team leadership experience
• Master’s degree preferred
• Experience with autoclave, RTM, prepreg, and other composite manufacturing processes
• Experience with eVTOL, rotorcraft, or urban air mobility systems
• Knowledge of electric aircraft systems and integration challenges
• Experience with certification of novel aircraft configurations