Staff Manufacturing Design Engineer - Structures

Archer; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 152,100 - 190,100; Full time

Job summary

Archer is seeking a Staff Manufacturing Design Engineer - Structures to guide the MDE team in defining and scaling manufacturing for aircraft structures. You will drive end-to-end structural build alignment from prototype through early production, collaborating with design, quality, and certification to embed manufacturability and risk mitigation.

You will mentor engineers and technicians, lead tooling and fixture development for low-volume production, and champion a hands-on culture focused on

Qualifications

• 10+ years in aerospace manufacturing, focusing on assembly and integration.
• Proven DFM experience for complex assemblies.
• Experience with CAD, PLM, MES tools.
• Ability to read MBd and GD&T callouts.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
• Hands-on problem-solving in dynamic production environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for structural assembly and integration processes.
• Own end-to-end lifecycle of structural builds with manufacturability and compliance.
• Drive tooling strategies and fixtures for prototype builds.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions on the shop floor.
• Coordinate with Design, Quality, Testing to align with certification goals.
• Mentor manufacturing engineers and technicians, spreading best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Aerospace manufacturing

DFM

Cross-functional coordination

Communication

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

CAD

PLM

MES

Model-based Definition

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.