Staff Aerodynamics Engineer, Flight Test & Certification

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 152,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, an aerospace company in San Jose, CA, seeks a Staff Aerodynamics Engineer, Flight Test & Certification to lead aerodynamic testing and data analysis for certification of an all-electric VTOL aircraft. You will coordinate with FAA/DERs, develop substantiation documentation, and contribute to flight test planning and fleet support.

The role requires extensive flight test experience across fixed-wing and rotorcraft, strong programming skills in Python or MATLAB, and a proven record in

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years with BS, 8+ years with MS, or 4+ years with PhD in flight testing.
• Experience with flight test techniques on fixed-wing and rotorcraft (tiltrotor/eVTOL).
• Certification experience with 14 CFR Part 27/29/23/25 Subpart B preferred.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, performance, and stability & control.
• Experience with flight test planning, instrumentation, execution and data reduction.
• Familiarity with Python or Matlab/Simulink.

Responsibilities

• Conduct aerodynamic testing and analysis for certification under Subpart B.
• Develop tools to analyze and process flight test data.
• Establish flight test tolerances and data quality metrics.
• Analyze flight test data and compare with predictions; document findings.
• Develop substantiation documentation for airworthiness criteria.
• Interface with the FAA and DERs on airworthiness and compliance.
• Collaborate with Flight Test to plan and execute tests for model validation.
• Develop methods and docs for aircraft fleet support ( repairs, MILs, etc.).

Skills

Flight testing

Aerospace engineering

Python

Matlab/Simulink

Certification testing

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Aerospace Engineering degree

Tools

Git

CICD

Conda

MATLAB/Simulink

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:

• Conduct aerodynamic testing and analysis in support of Subpart B Flight Characteristics and Performance certification
• Develop tools to analyze and process flight test data
• Establish flight test parameter tolerances and data quality metrics
• Perform in-depth analysis of flight test data and compare with predictions, including data expansion across the entire flight envelope. Generate test reports to document findings and recommendations.
• Develop substantiation documentation for showing compliance with airworthiness criteria
• Interface with the FAA and DERs related to airworthiness and compliance
• Collaborate with the Flight Test organization to plan and execute flight test events to collect data to validate aerodynamic models as well as vehicle performance and requirements
• Develop methods, processes and documentation for aircraft fleet support (e.g., assessment and guidance for repairs, Configuration Deviation List, Minimum Equipment List)

What you need:

• BS / MS / PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
• 10+ years of experience with BS, or 8+ years of experience with MS, or 4+ years of experience with PhD in flight testing fixed-wing aircraft and/or rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL
• Experience with accepted flight test techniques on fixed-wing aircraft and/or rotorcraft, tiltrotor (e.g., AC 27-1B, AC 29-2C, AC 23-8C, AC 25-7D, ASTM Standards, or ADS-33)
• Demonstrated certification experience with 14 CFR Part 27, 29, 23 and/or 25 Subpart B for a new type design (strongly preferred) or amended/supplemental type design
• Strong understanding of fixed-wing and rotorcraft aerodynamics, performance, and stability & control
• Experience with flight test planning, instrumentation, execution, and data reduction techniques for design verification and certification purposes
• Familiarity in Python programming (strongly preferred) or Matlab/Simulink programming coding experience
• Excellent work planning and issue resolution skills
• Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in groups and individually
• Experience in a fast-paced design environment

Bonus Qualifications:

• Familiarity with FAA AC 21.17-4 Type Certification – Powered-Lift
• Prior experience as a DER and/or ODA E-UM Flight Analyst
• Extensive experience with conventional airplane Part 23/25 and/or rotorcraft Part 27/29 certification basis and test methods for Subpart B
• Experience with wind tunnel testing and data processing of rotorcraft, tiltrotor, or eVTOL
• Extensive experience processing and showing aerodynamic data for FAA complianceExperience developing and expanding AFM performance charts (e.g., table expansion of weight, altitude and temperature)
• Direct experience working with regulatory agencies related to Subpart B Flight compliance (e.g., FAA Parts 23/25/27/29)
• Experience supporting Fault Hazard Assessment (FHA)
• Certification experience with aircraft or rotorcraft equipped with fly-by-wire flight control systems
• Experience with Handling Qualities Task Elements (HQTEs) and Cooper Harper Handling Qualities Rating (HQR)
• Control law and/or Guidance Navigation & Control (GNC) experience
• Experience developing complex Static Source Error Corrections (SSEC) with advanced knowledge of air data systems
• Familiarity with software development, object-oriented, version control best practices, as well as Git, CICD, Conda
• Familiarity with Curtiss Wright IADS

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 - $209,100. 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.

Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to [e-mail]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.

Job posting details for Staff Aerodynamics Engineer, Flight Test & Certification at Archer in San Jose, California, United States. . ClimateTechList gathers 9,000+ job openings from over 477 climate tech companies and updates them daily.