Senior Blade Structures Engineer

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer is seeking an experienced aerospace engineer in San Jose, California, dedicated to designing high-performance propeller blades for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This role requires collaboration with aerodynamics teams and certification with FAA. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or related and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.

The position offers a competitive salary range of USD 150,000 – 185,000 based on qualifications and experience, along with a commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of industry experience.
• Composite damage tolerance and fatigue experience.
• Experience in a fast-paced design environment.

Responsibilities

• Design high-performance propeller blades for eVTOL aircraft.
• Lead blade structural design and analysis.
• Support certification discussions with the FAA.

Skills

CAD design and lofting experience

Experience with Nastran

Strong organizational skills

Excellent technical communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or related field

Tools

NX

Patran/FEMAP

Job description

About Archer

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 design, manufacture, and operate a four‑passenger aircraft that can travel 60 miles at speeds up to 150 mph while producing minimal noise. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with the aerodynamics and loads & dynamics teams to design high‑performance propeller blades for eVTOL aircraft
• Lead blade structural design and supporting analysis
• Provide blade properties to the loads & dynamics team
• Support blade material selection and corresponding manufacturing process development
• Release blade drawings and author stress analysis reports
• Support development and certification testing to validate static load capability and fatigue life of blade designs
• Support certification discussions with the FAA
• Collaborate with internal and external customers to ensure on‑time delivery of data

What You Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or related field
• Minimum 5 years of industry experience
• CAD design and lofting experience (NX preferred)
• Experience with Nastran (MSC or NX) and Patran/FEMAP
• Composite damage tolerance and fatigue experience
• Strong organizational skills to coordinate multidisciplinary teams on high‑impact, time‑constrained projects
• Excellent technical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Experience in a fast‑paced design environment

Bonus Qualifications

• MS / PhD in Aerospace or related field
• Familiarity with FAA aircraft/rotorcraft loads and dynamics regulations (FAR Part 23, 27, 33, 35) and associated advisory materials
• Experience with static and dynamic loads derivation for fixed‑wing vehicles and/or rotorcraft, focusing on rotor loads
• Experience with comprehensive rotor analysis software (RCAS, CAMRAD II, FlightLab, DYMORE or similar)

Base Pay

USD 150,000 – 185,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications)

EEO and Accommodation Statement

Archer is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants and employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.