Staff Process Quality Engineer

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 152,100 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, an aerospace company in San Jose, CA, seeks a Staff Process Engineer to lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Quality Management System (QMS) efforts. The engineer will drive process development and ensure compliance with aerospace standards while preparing for full-scale production.

This role offers a salary range of $152,100 to $190,000, determined by qualifications and experience. Join Archer to contribute to innovative all-electric aircraft technology!

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Quality Engineering or Process Engineering.
• Strong knowledge of AS9145 and AS9100 standards.
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead APQP activities to ensure manufacturing processes are production-ready.
• Develop and improve PFMEA for manufacturing processes.
• Drive PPAP activities and maintain QMS procedures.

Skills

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)

Quality Management System (QMS)

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Six Sigma

Lean Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (PFMEA)

Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)

Job description

About Archer

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.

Opportunity

As a Staff Process Engineer focused on Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Quality Management System (QMS) activities, you will play a critical role in advancing Archer's Manufacturing Quality and Production readiness for our aircraft. Operating at the intersection of APQP requirements and QMS compliance, you will lead process development and risk mitigation activities that ensure our manufacturing processes meet the highest standards of quality, reliability, and regulatory compliance. You will be instrumental in shaping the quality infrastructure as Archer transitions from development into full‑scale production certification.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities per AS9145 to ensure manufacturing processes are robust, capable, and production‑ready, from concept through production launch.
• Develop, own, and continuously improve Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) for new and existing manufacturing processes, driving risk reduction and process robustness.
• Drive Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities including Control Plans, Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and Process Capability studies.
• Author and maintain QMS procedures, work instructions, and quality records supporting AS9100 compliance and FAA 14 CFR Part 21 regulatory requirements.
• Conduct process risk assessments, reliability audits, and APQP gate reviews to identify potential failure modes and recommend preventive and corrective actions.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to integrate APQP deliverables into production processes from the start.
• Lead Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations for process failures and nonconformances, driving systemic resolution and recurrence prevention.
• Apply Statistical Process Control (SPC), Six Sigma, and Lean manufacturing methodologies to optimize process parameters, reduce variability, and improve product consistency.
• Define process KPIs and contribute to real‑time monitoring dashboards to track process health and performance for leadership visibility.
• Provide preventive and predictive maintenance planning guidance for key manufacturing equipment in collaboration with maintenance teams.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and technical staff on APQP methodology, PFMEA, QMS best practices.

Compensation

For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $152,100 - $190,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Legal and Equal Opportunity Statements

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.