Technical Lead

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 Engineering Leadership

• Be the single point technical lead for generator motor product development and delivery across full life cycle
• Lead cross-functional teams through the complete development lifecycle of the motor generator from concept through production
• Work with system partners to define generator specifications including power output, efficiency targets, weight constraints, and integration requirements
• Oversee the thermal management system design ensuring optimal performance under varying operating conditions
• Lead mechanical design and integration of generator housing, mounting system, and mechanical integration with gas turbine and aircraft structures

Technical Analysis and Validation

• Guide electromagnetic FEA analysis efforts with simulation specialists to optimize generator performance and efficiency within schedule and and weight targets
• Collaborate with thermal analysis experts to ensure reliable operation across flight envelope
• Coordinate development of comprehensive test strategies including dynamometer testing and integrated system validation
• Lead cross-functional teams in analyzing test data and driving design iterations based on performance findings
• Serve as primary technical authority and coordinator for generator-related issues throughout development

Leadership and Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with systems, vehicle integration and other vehicle module teams
• Work closely with safety teams to ensure airworthiness requirements are met
• Lead design reviews and provide technical expertise for critical program decisions
• Interface with flight test teams to support ground and flight validation activities
• Mentor a team of engineers and provide technical direction

What You Need:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Minimum of 10-15+ years of experience in electric machine design and development
• Proven track record leading technical teams and delivering complex electromechanical systems
• Experience with high-speed, high-power density electric machines

Technical Expertise

• Expertise in electromagnetic design principles and electric machine theory
• Strong background in thermal analysis and cooling system design
• Experience with materials selection for high-performance electric machines
• Knowledge of power electronics and generator control systems
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes for electric machines and quality control methods

Leadership and Communication

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical teams and drive results
• Excellent communication skills with ability to present complex technical concepts to executive leadership
• Strong project management skills with experience managing development timelines and budgets
• Proven ability to work effectively with external suppliers and partners

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed
• Commitment to safety-first engineering practices in aviation applications

Bonus Qualifications:

• Hybrid electric drivetrain development experience (automotive, marine, or aviation)
• Gas turbine experience or knowledge of turbomachinery systems
• Proficiency with electromagnetic FEA tools (ANSYS Maxwell, JMAG, or Motor-CAD preferred)
• Aerospace certification experience (DO-160, DO-254, or similar standards)
• Familiarity with model based Monte Carlo design optimization of electromechanical systems

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.