Structural Design Engineer - Advanced Programs

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, an aerospace company based in San Jose, California, is seeking a Structural Design Engineer for Advanced Programs. This role focuses on designing and analyzing lightweight structures, leading major airframe assemblies from concept through manufacturing and test.

You will apply laminate design fundamentals, develop composite layups, and collaborate with engineering teams to validate performance using detailed FEA.

Qualifications

• Requires 8+ years designing lightweight aerospace structures.
• Bachelor's in Engineering or related field.
• Strong CAD skills in NX, SolidWorks, Catia or Creo.
• Experience with large bonded structures and sandwich construction.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze composite structures for prototype aircraft including primary and secondary structures.
• Lead development of major structural airframe assemblies from preliminary design through manufacturing and test.
• Apply load-paths and laminate design fundamentals to create robust configurations.
• Design composite layups, core configurations, and joint details optimized for manufacturing and structural efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineering teams and validate designs via detailed FEA.
• Support test teams and suppliers to ensure designs meet requirements.

Skills

Lightweight structures

8+ years experience

Load paths design fundamentals

Design for manufacturing

CAD proficiency

Team collaboration

Self-starter

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

NX

Solidworks

Catia

Creo

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:

• Design and analyze composite structures for prototype aircraft including primary and secondary structures
• Lead the development of major structural airframe assemblies from preliminary design through manufacturing and test
• Apply in depth understanding of load paths, design best practices, and hand calcs to design robust structural configurations
• Design composite layups, core configurations, and joint details optimized for manufacturing and structural efficiency
• Apply design for manufacturing concepts to create designs that are cost effective and easy to fabricate for prototype aircraft. Preferred experience with composite sandwich construction and adhesive paste bonding.
• Develop team standards for composite and metallic part CAD models and drawings
• Collaborate with other engineering teams on design, including structural analysts to refine designs and validate structural performance through detailed FEA
• Provide technical guidance on design concepts (risk vs. cost vs. performance)
• Support the test team and manufacturing suppliers to validate and verify that designs meet requirements and specifications

What you need:

• 8+ years of experience with lightweight structures (aircraft, spacecraft, other high performance vehicles)
• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering field
• Ability to design and analyze simple components
• A deep understanding of load paths and laminate design fundamentals
• Strong CAD skills in NX (preferred), Solidworks, Catia or Creo
• Experience with the design of
  • Large bonded structures
  • Sandwich construction
  • Hand laid prepreg carbon fiber
  • Machined metal
• Experience with the manufacturing of composite parts
• Exposure to designing structure for propulsion systems or wing/pylon attachments
• Familiarity with PDM systems
• Self-starter, team player, and desire to work in a fast-paced environment

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with analyzing and dispositioning product non-conformances
• Experience with the design of small passenger aircraft or helicopters
• Broad experience across a range of airframe structures (fuselage, wing, pylons, empennage)
• Experience with hybrid-electric aircraft or understanding of electric powertrain systems
• Experience with composite laminate definition in FiberSim

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.

Job posting details for Structural Design Engineer - Advanced Programs at Archer in San Jose, California, United States. . ClimateTechList gathers 9,000+ job openings from over 480 climate tech companies and updates them daily.