Staff Manufacturing Engineer

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in California is seeking a Senior Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer to lead final assembly operations of electric aircraft. The role involves collaboration with design and logistics teams, as well as mentoring junior engineers. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, focusing on prototypes and compliance with FAA regulations.

Benefits

Pay-for-performance culture

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing with prototypes.
• Proficiency in CAD tools such as CATIA or NX.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in final assembly operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

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

Tools

CAD

PLM/MES systems

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:

• Provide technical leadership for final assembly operations, including structure integration, system installations, component alignment, and overall aircraft build sequencing.
• Collaborate with design, test, and quality teams to ensure manufacturability, compliance, and streamlined assembly processes for prototypes on an aggressive certification timeline.
• Develop and refine work instructions, assembly fixtures, and process flows tailored for low-volume, rapidly evolving prototype builds, balancing efficiency with safety and quality.
• Serve as the primary on-the-floor expert, troubleshooting mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical integration issues in real time, driving root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Coordinate with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure timely availability of critical components, while maintaining strict documentation and traceability for certification requirements.
• Mentor junior manufacturing engineers and technicians, fostering a hands-on, solution-oriented culture that supports quick learning and continuous improvement.

What you need:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, with a proven track record in final assembly for prototypes or experimental programs (EVTOL, rotorcraft, or other emerging aircraft strongly preferred)
• Proficiency in CAD (e.g., CATIA, NX) and familiarity with PLM/MES systems
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to manage complex integration challenges under tight deadlines.
• Deep understanding of mechanical systems, hydraulic/pneumatic systems, and general aircraft assembly requirements, including regulatory (FAA) considerations.

Bonus Qualifications:

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

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 $180,000 - $225,000. 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 [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 [e-mail]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.