State Estimation and Navigation Engineer

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance sustainable air mobility. This onsite role supports developing navigation and state-estimation for GPS-denied environments.

You will develop and tune state-estimation algorithms, implement VIO/SLAM, fuse IMU, camera and lidar data, and validate performance across simulation and field tests.

Qualifications

• Background in GN&C, robotics or a related technical field.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Experience with VIO/SLAM techniques.
• Experience with EKF or factor-graph-based sensor fusion.
• Experience integrating IMU, camera, and lidar sensors into a navigation stack.

Responsibilities

• Develop and tune state-estimation algorithms for GPS-denied and GNSS-degraded navigation.
• Implement visual-inertial odometry (VIO), lidar/vision-aided INS, and multi-sensor fusion approaches.
• Integrate state-estimation solutions with onboard sensors (IMU, camera, lidar).
• Validate navigation performance through simulation, bench testing, and field testing.
• Analyze test data to identify and resolve navigation performance issues.
• Collaborate with perception, controls, and test teams to ensure robust navigation.

Skills

C++

Python

VIO/SLAM

Sensor fusion

Navigation

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.

Note: This role must be based onsite in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

What you'll do:

• Develop and tune state-estimation algorithms for GPS-denied and GNSS-degraded navigation
• Implement visual-inertial odometry (VIO), lidar/vision-aided INS, and multi-sensor fusion approaches
• Integrate state-estimation solutions with IMU, camera, lidar, and other onboard sensors
• Validate navigation performance through simulation, bench testing, and field testing
• Analyze test data to identify and resolve navigation performance issues
• Collaborate with perception, controls, and test teams to ensure robust navigation across a range of operating conditions

What you need:

• Background in GN&C; robotics, or a related technical field
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python
• Experience with VIO/SLAM techniques
• Experience with EKF or factor-graph-based sensor fusion
• Experience integrating IMU, camera, and lidar sensors into a navigation stack

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with PX4 or ArduPilot EKF
• Hands-on experience with GPS-denied navigation testing
• Background in subscale aircraft or robotics navigation

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. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $140,000 - $260,000.

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.