Senior Mission Systems Lead for Special Programs Prototyping

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

Job summary

Archer in San Jose seeks a Lead Special Programs Engineer - Mission Systems & Integration to define and integrate payloads and sensors for prototype aircraft. You will drive end-to-end mission-system integration, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and produce design documentation for reviews and decision points.

The role requires 8–12 years in rapid prototyping/advanced programs, a relevant engineering degree, and the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Systems, or Electrical Engineering (advanced degree a plus).
• 8–12 years of engineering experience in rapid-prototyping/advanced-programs environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead mission systems design, requirements definition, and integration for prototype vehicles, including payload and sensor integration, mission equipment packaging, and operator/mission-system interfaces.
• Support rapid prototyping efforts end-to-end, from concept mission architecture through integration, ground test, and flight test support.
• Own the mission systems discipline within Special Programs - setting technical approach, standards, and integration methods used across the program’s mission systems work.
• Conduct technical feasibility assessments of new opportunities - evaluating whether emerging concepts, RFPs, or mission requirements are viable within your focus area and what approach they would require.
• Serve as a cross-functional technical contributor across Special Programs efforts outside your core focus area when program needs require it.
• Collaborate with program leads, other Special Programs engineers, and broader Archer engineering teams to align technical approaches with program timelines and constraints.
• Produce technical documentation, trade studies, and analysis packages supporting both design maturity reviews and opportunity/capture decisions.
• Represent Special Programs work in your focus area in internal reviews and, as needed, in discussions with government stakeholders

Skills

Mission systems design

Payload integration

Requirements management

Prototype development

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical ownership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Systems, or Electrical Engineering

Job description

Archer in San Jose seeks a Lead Special Programs Engineer - Mission Systems & Integration to define and integrate payloads and sensors for prototype aircraft. You will drive end-to-end mission-system integration, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and produce design documentation for reviews and decision points.

The role requires 8–12 years in rapid prototyping/advanced programs, a relevant engineering degree, and the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.