Vehicle Architect: Aircraft Sizing & MDO Lead

AlleyCorp; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 173,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer Aviation in San Jose, CA seeks a Vehicle Architect to own the conceptual sizing of a next‑generation all‑electric aircraft. You will build and run optimization models and integrate inputs from structures, powertrain, and aerodynamics into a unified sizing framework.

Lead configuration trade studies, define design drivers, and present sizing analyses to customers and partners. This role requires strong Python and multibody‑design optimization skills, with experience in OpenMDAO,

Qualifications

• Strong Python and optimization tool experience.
• Experience sizing actual aircraft and integrating multi‑disciplinary inputs.
• Familiarity with eVTOL/rotorcraft sizing drivers and HPC.

Responsibilities

• Build vehicle-level conceptual sizing and optimization models.
• Lead configuration trade studies across use cases and missions.
• Integrate inputs from structures, powertrain and aerodynamics into the sizing framework.
• Present trade studies, sizing rationale, and vehicle performance to customers/partners.
• Support proposals with technical volumes, costs, and schedules.

Skills

Python

MDO frameworks

OpenMDAO

AeroSandbox

SUAVE

GPkit

Dymos

Optimization

High-performance computing

Systems engineering

Tools

OpenMDAO

AeroSandbox

SUAVE

GPkit

Dymos

Job description

Archer Aviation in San Jose, CA seeks a Vehicle Architect to own the conceptual sizing of a next‑generation all‑electric aircraft. You will build and run optimization models and integrate inputs from structures, powertrain, and aerodynamics into a unified sizing framework.

Lead configuration trade studies, define design drivers, and present sizing analyses to customers and partners. This role requires strong Python and multibody‑design optimization skills, with experience in OpenMDAO,