Senior Staff Modeling & Simulation Engineer

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 152,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, an aerospace company in San Jose, seeks an engineer to build and refine vehicle performance models for an all-electric eVTOL project. You’ll validate requirements, support flight control design, and perform flight test data analysis to improve physics models.

The role requires 5+ years in aerospace vehicle performance and expertise in Python/MATLAB, with a BS in Engineering; MS/PhD is a plus. Base pay targets $152,100–$202,100, with equal opportunity commitment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of aerospace vehicle performance and simulation experience at a full-vehicle level.
• Deep understanding of aerodynamics, especially helicopter rotors, electric VTOL and/or fixed-wing aircraft.
• Strong experience developing vehicle analysis tools and simulations in Python and MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Build and refine vehicle performance models and validate requirements.
• Evaluate handling and maneuvering to ensure safety and responsiveness.
• Perform system identification and linearization of vehicle dynamics.
• Support flight control design and envelope definitions.
• Characterize performance with simulations and FHAs at vehicle level.
• Analyze flight test data and update vehicle physics models.
• Coordinate with suppliers to integrate systems into simulations.

Skills

Multi-body dynamics simulations

Python

MATLAB

Vehicle analysis tools

Communication skills

Education

BS in Engineering

MS or PhD in Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

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:

• Vehicle Performance & Modeling: Build and refine vehicle performance models, perform vehicle-level trade study analyses, and define and validate vehicle performance requirements.
• Handling & Maneuvering: Evaluate flying and handling qualities requirements and determine maneuvering overhead to ensure optimal aircraft responsiveness and safety.
• Dynamics & Aeromechanics: Perform system identification and linearization of complex vehicle dynamics, and analyze aeromechanics and aeroelasticity to ensure vehicle stability.
• Flight Controls Support: Support flight control design for aircraft, including the development and implementation of notch filters, envelope definition etc
• Simulation & Hazard Analysis: Characterize the performance and capabilities of the aircraft. Conduct simulations to support Functional Hazard Analyses (FHAs) at a vehicle level.
• Data Analysis & Model Validation: Analyze flight test data, identify sources of model error, and update vehicle physics models accordingly.
• Systems Integration: Work with internal and external suppliers to integrate their systems into our comprehensive vehicle simulations, including vehicle dynamics, powertrain, actuation, sensors, and environmental modeling.

What you need:

• Education: BS in an Engineering discipline required. MS or PhD in an Engineering discipline highly desirable.
• Experience: 5+ years of aerospace vehicle performance and simulation experience at a full-vehicle level.
• Aerodynamics Expertise: Deep understanding of aerodynamics, specifically pertaining to helicopter rotors, electric VTOL and/or fixed-wing aircraft.
• Simulation Skills: Strong experience with multi-body dynamics simulations. High level of expertise with developing vehicle analysis tools and simulations in Python and MATLAB.
• Modeling Techniques: Expert in modeling and numerical optimization techniques with an understanding of these in the context of aerodynamic vehicles.
• Core Competencies: Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced design environment.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience modeling and analyzing eVTOL aircraft and a deep understanding of the role of various aircraft subsystems, including an electric powertrain.
• Rotorcraft experience
• Pilot's license.

At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $152,100 - $202,100. Actual compensation offered will be determined by 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.