Structural Design Engineer - Advanced Programs

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

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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 People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.