Staff M&P Engineer, Adhesives

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 152,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, based in San Jose, California, seeks a Materials and Process Engineer to lead material qualification efforts supporting FAA certification for powertrain and composite structures of an all-electric eVTOL aircraft. You will manage internal and external testing, create FAA-conformed qualification plans, and ensure materials and processes meet performance and regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with mechanical testing equipment, adhesive bonding evaluations, and

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace materials and process engineering.
• Hands-on experience operating mechanical test equipment.
• Knowledge of FAA material qualification requirements under 14 CFR Part 23.
• Familiarity with composite manufacturing and resin systems (epoxy, polyurethane).
• Experience with adhesive bonding evaluations and material qualification programs.

Responsibilities

• Set up and manage an internal materials test lab, including mechanical test equipment and procedures.
• Operate and maintain mechanical testing systems for tension, compression, shear, fatigue, and adhesive bonding evaluations.
• Develop and oversee FAA-conformed material qualification programs, executed both in-house and at external laboratories.
• Author and maintain material and process specifications, test plans, qualification procedures, and certification documentation.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and certification teams to ensure materials and processes meet performance and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze test data, support failure investigations, and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical guidance on materials selection and process development for powertrain systems and composite structures.
• Interface with FAA, DERs, and other regulatory bodies to support certification and conformity activities.

Skills

Materials science

Aerospace materials

Mechanical testing

Adhesive bonding testing

Composite materials testing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's preferred

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.

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled Materials and Process Engineer to lead material qualification efforts supporting FAA certification for both powertrain and composite structural components of our next-generation electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, certified under 14 CFR Part 23. This role involves managing internal and external testing programs, overseeing FAA-conformed qualification plans, and ensuring materials and processes meet performance and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with mechanical testing equipment, adhesive bonding evaluations, and composite materials testing.

What you’ll do

• Set up and manage an internal materials test lab, including mechanical test equipment and procedures.
• Operate and maintain mechanical testing systems for tension, compression, shear, fatigue, and adhesive bonding evaluations.
• Develop and oversee FAA‑conformed material qualification programs, executed both in‑house and at external laboratories.
• Author and maintain material and process specifications, test plans, qualification procedures, and certification documentation.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and certification teams to ensure materials and processes meet performance and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze test data, support failure investigations, and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical guidance on materials selection and process development for powertrain systems and composite structures.
• Interface with FAA, DERs, and other regulatory bodies to support certification and conformity activities.

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master’s preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or electric vehicle materials and process engineering.
• Hands‑on experience operating mechanical test equipment and managing material qualification programs.
• Strong understanding of FAA material qualification requirements under 14 CFR Part 23.
• Familiarity with composite manufacturing, adhesive bonding testing, and resin systems (epoxy, polyurethane).
• Knowledge of relevant standards including ASTM, MIL, and FAA Advisory Circulars.

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 $152,000- $190,000. 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, 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 M&P Engineer, Adhesives at Archer in San Jose, California, United States. . ClimateTechList gathers 9,000+ job openings from over 477 climate tech companies and updates them daily.