Senior Structures Engineer – Special Programs

Archer; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 138,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer is seeking a Lead Special Programs Engineer – Structures Integration in San Jose to lead structural design and analysis for prototype vehicles, including airframe structures, loads, and substantiation.

You will own the structural discipline within Special Programs, drive technical approaches, collaborate across Archer engineering teams, produce analyses and documentation, and engage with government stakeholders as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering (advanced degree a plus).
• Experience in aerospace structural design and analysis, including airframe structures and loads analysis.
• Knowledge of structural analysis tools and methods (FEA, hand calcs).
• Ability to work across full development lifecycle — concept through prototype — in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment.
• U.S. Person capable of obtaining security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural design and analysis for prototype vehicles and systems, including airframe structures, loads (V-n diagrams, wing loads, fuselage loads, landing gear), and structural substantiation.
• Support rapid prototyping efforts end-to-end, from concept sketches through detailed design, analysis, and test support.
• Own the structural discipline within Special Programs — setting technical approach, standards, and analysis methods used across the program’s structural 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

Aerospace structural design

Loads analysis

Finite element analysis

Hand-calculation methods

Independent work ownership

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering

Job description

Archer is seeking a Lead Special Programs Engineer – Structures Integration in San Jose to lead structural design and analysis for prototype vehicles, including airframe structures, loads, and substantiation.

You will own the structural discipline within Special Programs, drive technical approaches, collaborate across Archer engineering teams, produce analyses and documentation, and engage with government stakeholders as needed.