Senior Prototype Build Technician

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer is seeking a Prototype Build Technician for its Production Realization Lab in San Jose, California. The ideal candidate will be responsible for building and maintaining custom machinery essential for development and validation efforts. This role requires at least an Associate’s Degree in automotive, mechanical or electronics engineering, and skills in mechanical systems, electrical fabrication, and high-voltage safety. The position emphasizes collaboration with engineers and active participation in R&D activities.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of building from complex engineering documentation.
• Experience working safely with high-voltage systems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to perform physically demanding tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assemble complex electromechanical systems from engineering drawings.
• Collaborate with engineers on production challenges.
• Support R&D with proof-of-concept builds and validation.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Pneumatics

Hydraulics

Soldering

Wire harness assembly

High-voltage systems

Physical readiness

Education

Associate’s Degree in automotive, mechanical, or electronics engineering

Tools

CAD software (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks)

Inspection tools (calipers, micrometers)

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

At Archer’s Production Realization Lab, we build the electromechanical infrastructure that makes flight possible. We bring everything from megawatt-scale dynamometers and complex electrical test stands to bespoke mechanical equipment from concept to reality.

We are seeking a Prototype Build Technician to support the Test Equipment Design and Build team. In this role, you will be responsible for building, troubleshooting, and maintaining the custom machinery that powers our development, validation, and certification efforts. The ideal candidate is a versatile technician who thrives on building from drawings, solving problems on the fly, and collaborating with engineers in a fast-paced environment to push the boundaries of aviation.

What You’ll Do:

• Execute End-to-End Builds: Assemble complex electromechanical systems, ranging from precision mechanical assemblies to high-power electrical enclosures, using engineering drawings and schematics.
• Bridge Design & Reality: Collaborate directly with engineers to identify "as-built" challenges, providing real-time feedback and suggesting design or process improvements to streamline production.
• Drive Prototype Development: Support critical R&D activities, including proof-of-concept builds and the validation of new assembly processes for cutting-edge flight hardware.
• Precision Electrical Fabrication: Build and integrate high-quality wire harnesses and electrical subsystems based on detailed technical documentation.
• Maintain Lab Excellence: Ensure a world-class workspace by performing routine equipment maintenance and collaborating with the team to uphold safety and organizational standards.
• Manage Resources: Proactively identify, order, and procure the specialized tools, hardware, and materials necessary to keep build schedules on track.
• Standardize & Mentor: Author and update assembly procedures to document best practices, and provide hands‑on training to fellow technicians and engineers during complex validations.

What You Need:

• Education: Associate’s Degree or equivalent hands‑on experience in automotive, mechanical, or electronics engineering, with a proven track record of building from complex engineering documentation.
• Multidisciplinary Expertise: Proficient in mechanical systems, pneumatics, and hydraulics, with a deep understanding of how to troubleshoot and refine integrated electro‑mechanical equipment.
• Precision Electrical Skills: Mastery of soldering, electronics fabrication, and wire harness assembly, backed by a working knowledge of NFPA and IEC wiring standards.
• High-Voltage & Safety Literacy: Experience working safely with high-voltage systems and a solid command of OSHA machine safety standards and 5S workplace organization.
• Precision Measurement & CAD: Skilled in using inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, etc.) and comfortable navigating CAD software (NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks) to interpret designs.
• Operational Excellence: High standards for workmanship and quality, with the written communication skills to document processes clearly via Google Workspace.
• Physical Readiness: Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs in a fast‑paced shop environment.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Advanced Fabrication: Proficiency in MIG and/or TIG welding and manual machining (mill and lathe) to modify or create parts on the fly.
• Specialized Environment: Prior experience navigating the unique demands of R&D, prototype, or lab-based environments where requirements evolve rapidly.
• Automation & Testing: Familiarity with custom-built test equipment or automated systems, including a baseline understanding of how hardware integrates with software controls.

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.

Visa Sponsorship: 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.