Staff Autonomy Engineer

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer in San Jose, CA is seeking a Staff Autonomy Engineer to architect autonomous flight software and lead multi-agent coordination across GNC, localization, and safety-critical components. You will drive system-level design, integrate ROS-based modules on autopilots like Pixhawk, and mentor teams working on real-time autonomy for urban air mobility platforms.

The role demands 9+ years in aerospace robotics, a strong C++ background, and collaboration with Systems Engineering, Flight Test, and

Qualifications

• BS in Aerospace, Electrical, or Computer Engineering (MS preferred).
• 9+ years in aerospace autonomy or robotics systems.
• Expert in C++ for real-time embedded software and ROS.
• Experience with autopilots like Pixhawk.
• Proven track record in robotic teaming, trajectory generation, and mission planning for UAS.
• Advanced state estimation and sensor fusion knowledge.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Architect Autonomy Frameworks: lead system architecture for autonomous flight with multi-agent coordination.
• GNC Software Integration: design and integrate C++ software for guidance, navigation and control.
• State Estimation & Localization: develop software fusing GPS/IMU data for robust navigation.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: work with Systems Engineering and Flight Test to define verifiable requirements.
• Safety & Compliance: coordinate safety with FAA/NASA and validate flight control software.
• Simulation Infrastructure: develop HITL test infra and analyze compute loads.
• Mentorship & Methodology: lead teams in Agile and mentor engineers on autonomy.

Skills

C++ real-time embedded

Autonomy/robotics

State estimation

Multi-agent coordination

GNC software

Education

BS in Aerospace/Electrical/Computer Engineering

MS in autonomous systems (preferred)

Tools

ROS

Pixhawk

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

• Architect Autonomy Frameworks: Lead the system architecture and feature development for autonomous flight systems, with a specific focus on multi-agent coordination, task allocation, and resource scheduling in real-time environments.
• GNC Software Integration: Design, implement, and integrate C++ product software for guidance, navigation, and control modules. Ensure portability and scalability across diverse aerial platforms, overseeing the transition from algorithmic design to embedded deployment.
• State Estimation & Localization: Serve as the subject matter expert for state estimation and localization, developing software packages that fuse data from passive sensing, GPS, and IMU to ensure robust navigation in day, night, and off-road environments.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner with Systems Engineering and Flight Test teams to drive performance analysis. Lead the definition of verifiable software requirements, ensuring GNC considerations are integrated into vehicle navigation and obstacle avoidance algorithms.
• Safety & Compliance: Direct the development of safety-critical autonomy software, coordinating safety compliance with agencies like the FAA or NASA, and managing rigorous validation processes for flight control and autonomous path following.
• Simulation Infrastructure: Champion the development of simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test infrastructure. Drive performance analysis of compute loads and communications to improve the rigor of delivered features before flight.
• Mentorship & Methodology: Lead engineering teams in Agile environments, providing oversight on trajectory generation and control implementation while mentoring engineers in best practices for autonomy and robotics.

What You Need

• Extensive Experience: 9+ years of professional experience in aerospace autonomy, robotics systems, or GNC software development.
• Educational Background: BS in Aerospace, Electrical, or Computer Engineering; an MS or related specialized experience in autonomous systems is preferred.
• Technical Mastery: Expert proficiency in C++ for real-time embedded software and experience with robotics frameworks (such as ROS). Familiarity with integrating software onto autopilots like Pixhawk.
• Autonomy Expertise: Proven track record in robotic teaming, trajectory generation, and mission planning for Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) or planetary exploration vehicles.
• Estimation Depth: Advanced knowledge of state estimation techniques, including vision-based navigation and sensor fusion for operational environments
• Soft Skills: Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to lead complex development initiatives and specialized engineering team

Bonus Qualifications

• Space & Aviation Heritage: Experience supporting high-profile missions (e.g., NASA) or coordinating with federal aviation bodies.
• Hardware Integration: Experience managing hardware integration for sensing payloads, manipulation methods, or seismometer/tether models.
• Advanced Perception: Expertise in using passive sensing for navigation and environmental perception.
• Test & Validation: Experience conducting Verification & Validation (V&V) for robotics payloads or flight systems.

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on 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.

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 $170,000 - $215,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as 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 or 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.

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