Software Engineer Intern - Flight Controls Software

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, based in San Jose, CA, offers a 10-week Software Engineer Intern role within the Flight Control System team, delivering requirements, design, code, and test for safety-critical software in an aerospace setting.

You’ll work with a multidisciplinary team, document designs and test plans, and gain hands-on exposure to DO-178C compliant processes. Must be enrolled in an engineering/CS program and ready to be on site in San Jose.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a degree program related to engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering or a related field at an accredited university.

Responsibilities

• Conduct development and verification for certifiable safety-critical software components of the Flight Control System.
• Participate in definition and documentation of streamlined software development and verification processes supporting certifying safety critical software to DO-178C.
• Work with a multi-disciplinary team to develop, integrate, verify, and certify complex hardware/software systems.
• Prepare technical documentation including design specifications, test plans, and reports.

Skills

C

Python

Education

Enrolled in Engineering/CS program

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.

This internship is a part of a 10-week summer internship program opportunity. This role will be based at Archer’s headquarters in San Jose, California, and relocation or housing will not be provided. Archer is seeking a highly motivated and talented Software Engineer Intern to join our dynamic team. This internship opportunity provides hands-on experience within the Software team and an opportunity to contribute to real-world projects. Within the Software Intern role, you will deliver requirements, design, code, and test as part of our feature-driven development for Archer’s Flight Control System – enabling the use of electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft for urban air mobility. The successful candidate will work closely with our experienced engineering team, gaining exposure to various aspects of the engineering process.

What You’ll Do:

• Conduct development and verification for certifiable safety-critical software components of the Flight Control System
• Participate in the definition and documentation of streamlined software development and verification processes supporting certifying safety critical software to comply with DO-178C
• Work with a multi-disciplinary team to develop, integrate, verify, and certify complex hardware/software systems
• Conduct research on relevant engineering topics, analyze data, and present findings to support project decisions
• Prepare technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and reports
• Actively participate in problem-solving activities, proposing innovative solutions and troubleshooting issues as they arise

What You Need:

• Currently enrolled in a degree program related to engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering or a related field at an accredited university, preferably a Junior going into your Senior year
• Coursework in embedded systems, SW/HW integration labs
• Experience using C or Python
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective presentation skills and communication skills
• Results focused
• Aligned with Archer’s core values

Bonus Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of hardware and software integration in a lab environment
• Experience with control systems
• Experience with real-time embedded systems
• Familiarity with the aviation industry

Summer 2026 Internship Program Details:

• This internship is a part of a 10-week full-time summer internship program opportunity. Program dates are:
  • May 26, 2026 - July 31, 2026
  • June 15, 2026 - August 21, 2026
  • *We will not be able to accommodate interns outside of these two program dates.
• This role will be based at Archer in San Jose, CA
• Relocation and housing will not be provided.

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.

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.

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $25.00 - $35.00 per hour. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

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.