Staff Manufacturing Design Engineer - Structures

Archer; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 152,100 - 190,100; Full time

Job summary

Archer, an aerospace company in San Jose, CA, seeks a Staff Manufacturing Design Engineer - Structures to lead manufacturing strategy for aircraft structures from prototype through early production ramp. You will partner with Design, Quality, Supply Chain, and Certification to establish manufacturability and robust processes.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, mentoring teams, and delivering best-in-class manufacturing solutions for current and future aircraft platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent).
• 10+ years in aerospace manufacturing, with assembly and integration focus; prototype or experimental aircraft experience preferred.
• Proven track record of DFM for complex assemblies.
• Expertise in CAD, PLM, MES.
• Ability to understand MB Definition and interpret GD&T callouts.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Thrives in a dynamic environment balancing big-picture goals with hands-on builds.

Responsibilities

• Provide overarching leadership and technical direction for structural assembly and integration processes, including prototype and production assembly sequencing.
• Own the end-to-end lifecycle of structural component builds, embedding manufacturability, compliance, and risk mitigation from concept to flight test readiness.
• Drive tooling strategies and fixture development for prototype builds, balancing high precision with low-volume, evolving programs.
• Serve as the primary SME on the shop floor, leading root-cause analysis and timely corrective actions.
• Act as a liaison to Design, Quality, and Certification to align materials, documentation, and processes with certification objectives.
• Mentor and guide manufacturing engineers and technicians, setting best practices and fostering ownership.

Skills

Aerospace

DFM

Leadership

CAD

PLM

MES

MBE

GD&T

Education

Bachelors/Masters in relevant engineering

Tools

NX

Teamcenter

SAP

Job description

Staff Manufacturing Design Engineer - Structures

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.

We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

About the Role

As a member of the Manufacturing Design Engineering (MDE) team, you will help bridge aircraft design and production. You will drive the manufacturing strategy for aircraft structures and serve as a technical leader responsible for defining and scaling Archer's aircraft design and production, supporting aircraft builds from prototype through early production ramp. You will work cross-functionally with Design, Quality, Supply Chain, and Certification teams to establish best-in-class manufacturing solutions for both current and future aircraft platforms.

What You’ll Do

• Provide overarching leadership and technical direction for structural assembly and integration processes, including prototype and production assembly sequencing.
• Own the end-to-end lifecycle of structural component builds, collaborating with design, quality, and certification teams to embed manufacturability, compliance, and risk mitigation from concept to flight test readiness.
• Drive tooling strategies and fixture development for prototype builds, balancing the need for high precision with practical solutions suited to low-volume, rapidly evolving programs.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert on the shop floor, leading root‑cause analysis and implementing timely corrective actions to maintain schedule, quality, and structural integrity.
• Act as a key liaison to adjacent business units (Design, Quality, Testing) ensuring materials, documentation, and processes align with certification objectives.
• Mentor and guide manufacturing engineers and technicians at all levels, setting best practices, championing innovative problem‑solving, and fostering a hands‑on culture of ownership and accountability.

What You Need

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years in aerospace manufacturing, with a focus on assembly and integration; prototype or experimental aircraft experience strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of driving DFM principles for complex assemblies.
• Expertise in advanced manufacturing tools (CAD, PLM, MES).
• Ability to understand model‑based definition and interpret GD&T callouts.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross‑functional coordination skills to set direction and mentor a diverse engineering team.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, balancing big‑picture program goals with hands‑on, real‑time build solutions.

Bonus Qualifications

• NX Experience
• Teamcenter Experience
• SAP Experience
• Part 23 Certification Experience
• EVTOL Background

Compensation

We target a base pay between $152,100 – $190,100. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Safety and Accommodations

Archer is committed to provide a safe workplace and a safe aircraft. This is a safety‑sensitive designated role. Employment in safety‑sensitive positions is contingent on successful passage of a background check and is subject to pre‑employment and random drug screening. 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.