Sr. Systems Engineer

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Visa sponsorship

Job summary

Archer is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to lead the Development Assurance framework, aligning engineering processes with ARP4754A and aviation standards. You will bridge engineering execution with strategy to ensure certifiable artifacts and traceability across programs.

You will mentor teams, define standards, and collaborate with lifecycle and toolchain teams to enable compliant workflows and robust certification evidence.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience developing one or more aerospace systems.
• Proven background in developing and verifying highly integrated aerospace systems.
• Experience with requirements development, configuration, and architecture definition for aircraft.
• Hands-on experience with civil aviation programs utilizing Systems Engineering processes for certification credit.
• Deep understanding of systems engineering practices and underlying purposes.
• Significant experience using requirement management tools (Polarion, DOORS, Jama).
• Full understanding of civil aviation SE standards and related processes.
• Experience defining, implementing, and training for engineering processes.
• Familiarity with 14 CFR Part 23/27 regulations.
• Experience working on Type Certification from concept to completion.

Responsibilities

• Lead definition and continuous improvement of a Systems Engineering framework compliant with ARP4754A, DO-178C, DO-254.
• Define standards, templates, and quality criteria for key development artifacts.
• Coach engineering teams on process rationale and practical application.
• Partner with multidisciplinary teams to integrate compliant processes into daily workflows.
• Collaborate with Product Lifecycle Engineering to configure toolchains for traceability and artifact lifecycle.

Skills

Systems engineering

Requirements management

Certification processes

Audits & training

Cross-functional leadership

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Systems Engineering or related field

Tools

Polarion

DOORS

Jama

Job description

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, Archer is a leader in the next-gen aerospace sector building an end-to-end advanced air mobility platform that delivers air taxis, unmanned aircraft systems(“UAS”), aviation-related physical artificial intelligence(“AI”) solutions, and other technologies to customers worldwide across the commercial aerospace and defense sectors.

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:

Join our Development Assurance team, in this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in launching our first certified aircraft by architecting the engineering framework that governs how we work. You will define, deploy, and continuously improve the processes and toolchains that enable our teams to develop cutting-edge aircraft systems with the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. As a multi-disciplinary leader, you will bridge the gap between engineering execution and company strategy, ensuring our development lifecycle is fully compliant ARP4754A and other aerospace industry standards.

• Lead the definition, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive Systems Engineering framework fully compliant with ARP4754A. Ensure that our engineering processes and artifacts not only meet the objectives of ARP4754A, DO-178C, and DO-254 but also generate the clear, traceable evidence required for successful audits and certification.
• Define and govern the standards, templates, and quality criteria for all key development artifacts
• You'll be a trusted partner and coach to engineering teams, helping them understand the "why" behind the process and integrating their feedback to create a system that works for everyone.
• Partner directly with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate compliant processes and artifact standards into their daily workflows, providing training and support to ensure practical and consistent application.
• Collaborate with the Product Lifecycle Engineering and Tools teams to configure our engineering toolchain to enforce process compliance, automate traceability, and manage the lifecycle of all certified artifacts.

What You Need:

• BS, MS, or PhD in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ yrs of experience in developing one or more aerospace systems
• Proven background in developing and verifying highly integrated aerospace systems.
• Experience with requirements development, configuration, and architecture definition for aircraft.
• Hands-on experience with civil aviation programs utilizing Systems Engineering processes for certification credit.
• Deep understanding of systems engineering practices and the underlying reasons and purpose behind them
• Significant experience using one or more requirements management tools (e.g., Polarion, DOORS, Jama).
• Full understanding of the Systems Engineering standard used in civil aviation and the underlying reasons and purpose for each process and activity
• Extensive experience defining, implementing, and providing training for engineering processes
• Familiarity with regulations and standards for transport and general aviation aircraft (14 CFR Part 23/27)
• Experience working on Type Certification from concept to completion.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience following systems engineering principles in a non-aerospace industry.
• Proficiency in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and tools.
• Knowledge of safety assessment processes (SAE ARP4761).
• Background in complex hardware/software certification standards (RTCA DO-178 / DO-254).
• Experience customizing or improving requirements management workflows.
• Hands on experience with development of Mechanical Systems or Aircraft Structures
• Experience conducting audits of engineering development processes.
• Experience defining and applying configuration management strategies
• Experience interacting with a certifying authority regarding System Development and Safety certification
• Experience developing cross program processes and guidance

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 $145,000 - $190,000. 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 .

Certain positions may be eligible for visa sponsorship.

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.