Staff Manufacturing Test Engineer

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

Job summary

Archer in San Jose, CA, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering professional to own end-to-end functional test strategy for aircraft systems from early builds through production.

You will validate system performance, software and wiring, drive cross-functional alignment, and architect automated test solutions to improve quality and throughput in a fast-paced production environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in aircraft systems or subsystem test engineering with ownership of test scope and strategy.
• Experience testing aircraft systems under 14 CFR Part 23/25/27/29 or equivalent regulatory frameworks.
• Strong background in electrical and software-driven testing (most mechanical systems are software-controlled).
• Experience designing or influencing data acquisition and test architectures (platforms not required).
• Scripting fluency in Python for automation, analysis, and test enablement.
• Ability to work within existing manufacturing and test data ecosystems.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and interpret results from wiring, integration, and functional tests.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical topics and influence across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end functional test strategy for aircraft systems across manufacturing, from early builds through certified production.
• Drive cross-functional alignment between manufacturing, design engineering, flight test, and certification to define test requirements and coverage.
• Architect and scale automated manufacturing test solutions to improve quality, repeatability, and throughput.
• Lead execution of functional testing in lab environments and on aircraft, supporting transitions from prototype to production lines.
• Define how functional test integrates with Archer’s manufacturing engineering systems, data infrastructure, and production workflows.
• Identify gaps, risks, and inefficiencies in test coverage and drive system-level solutions.

Skills

Test strategy

Python scripting

Aircraft systems

CANbus

RS-485

ARINC 429

Education

Bachelors or higher in Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

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.

About the role:

This role sits within Manufacturing Engineering and is responsible for aircraft-level functional and end-of-line testing as each vehicle is manufactured. You will help ensure each aircraft meets required performance, integration, and system-level standards before delivery or progression into flight testing.You’ll focus on validating that each individual build behaves as intended—verifying systems, software, electrical behavior, and overall functional readiness—while supporting the transition from prototype to production.

What you’ll do:

• Own the end-to-end functional test strategy for aircraft systems across manufacturing, from early builds through certified production
• Drive cross-functional alignment between manufacturing, design engineering, flight test, and certification to define test requirements and coverage
• Architect and scale automated manufacturing test solutions to improve quality, repeatability, and throughput
• Lead execution of functional testing in lab environments and on aircraft, supporting fast-paced transitions from prototype to production lines
• Define how functional test integrates with Archer’s manufacturing engineering systems, data infrastructure, and production workflows
• Identify gaps, risks, and inefficiencies in test coverage and proactively drive solutions at the system level

What you need:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in aircraft systems or subsystem test engineering, including ownership of test scope and strategy
• Experience testing aircraft systems developed under 14 CFR Part 23/25/27/29 or equivalent regulatory frameworks
• Strong background in electrical and software-driven testing (most mechanical systems are software-controlled)
• Experience designing or influencing data acquisition and test architectures (specific platforms not required)
• Scripting fluency (Python preferred) for automation, analysis, and test enablement
• Ability to work effectively within existing manufacturing and test data ecosystems
• Ability to read electrical schematics and interpret results from wiring, integration, and functional tests
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical topics and influence across disciplines

Bonus Qualifications:

• Led or significantly contributed to full aircraft type certification from program start through approval
• Experience integrating test with enterprise systems such as SAP
• Experience with Capital wiring harness software
• Working knowledge of common aircraft communication standards (CANbus, RS-485/422, ARINC-429)
• Familiarity with Garmin avionics systems
• Part 23 certification deptheVTOL or advanced air mobility experience

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications

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 $151,680 - $189,600. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

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 at . 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.