Subscale Engineer

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, an aerospace company in San Jose, California, is looking for an experienced Flight Tester to join their innovative team. You will be involved in building and flying subscale aircraft while developing comprehensive test plans. Successful candidates will have strong RC piloting skills, the ability to fabricate aircraft, and a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $144,000 - $188,000 based on experience. Archer values diversity and is committed to an inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in flight testing or a related field.
• Current FAA Part 107 license.
• Experience with subscale and fullscale eVTOL flight test is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, and fly new and existing subscale aircraft.
• Develop and execute test plans for various levels of testing.
• Report and communicate test results.

Skills

Flight testing experience

RC piloting skills

Written and verbal communication skills

Ability to fabricate small unmanned aircraft

Education

Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering

Tools

Solidworks

Matlab

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

• Build, maintain, and fly new and existing subscale aircraft.
• Develop and execute test plans for ground, flight, and component level testing in conjunction with engineers from other teams.
• Schedule and manage test campaigns.
• Prepare and lead flight briefs and debriefs for subscale test campaigns.
• Report and communicate test results.

What you need

• 2+ years of experience in flight testing or a related field.
• Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering.
• Excellent fixed wing and rotary wing RC piloting skills.
• Proficient with Solidworks.
• Demonstrated ability to fabricate small unmanned aircraft.
• Current FAA Part 107 license.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with subscale and fullscale eVTOL flight test.
• Proficient with Matlab.
• Experience with rapid manufacturing.
• Pilot license.

At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay‑for‑performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $144,000 - $188,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by 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 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.

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 to [e-mail]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.