Y Combinator Senior Electrical Test / Systems Engineer
Summary
Senior Electrical Test/Systems Engineer at Archer in San Jose designs and maintains high-voltage test systems for electric aircraft, using LabVIEW, Python, and industrial protocols like CAN bus and EtherCAT.
Archer is an aerospace and defense company headquartered in San Jose, California, building the aircraft and technology that will define the next era of flight. The company works across air taxis, UAS, AI and powertrain development — building real-world systems that combine software intelligence with physical hardware. That includes Midnight, Archer's all-electric air taxi; Halo, an autonomous vertical takeoff and landing aircraft built for both commercial and defense use; and ZEE, Archer's AI foundation model built specifically for aviation. We’re seeking exceptional engineers, operators and builders to join us on our mission to build the future of aerospace and defense.
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.
At Archer’s Product Realization Lab, we build the high-power electromechanical infrastructure that makes flight possible. From megawatt-scale dynamometers to complex electrical test stands, we own the full stack: integration, software, and controls.
We are seeking a Senior Electrical (Test) Systems Engineer to serve as the ultimate authority on system health. This isn't a "follow the manual" role. You’ll be operating at the volatile intersection of high-voltage power and sensitive low-voltage instrumentation—a boundary where noise, grounding issues, and transients create real-world consequences. We need a battle-tested expert who has seen these systems fail in industry and knows exactly how to build them to last.
What you’ll do:
- Build and maintain real-time test and control applications on NI cRIO, PXI, and DAQ using LabVIEW, VeriStand, and Python, with strong CAN bus integration and test automation experience
- Interface with subsystems via CAN bus, EtherCAT, Modbus, TCP/IP, and related industrial communication protocols, from initial bring-up through fault diagnosis in deployed systems
- Diagnose and resolve electrical faults in medium- to high-power test systems including voltage/current ripple, transient noise, EMI, and grounding failures, with full ownership of root-cause findings and mitigation recommendations
- Lead grounding architecture reviews and remediation across the lab, with specific focus on how high-voltage ground faults cascade into low-voltage instrumentation systems
- Set up and operate oscilloscopes, signal conditioning hardware, and bench instrumentation to characterize and isolate electrical anomalies in complex, integrated test environments
- Own ongoing support of delivered test systems including software updates, bug fixes, new feature integration, and in-field troubleshooting to ensure systems remain reliable as configurations evolve
- Support system bring-up, integration verification, and validation across hardware, controls, and software layers
What you need:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent hands-on industry experience
- Proven LabVIEW development on cRIO and PXI platforms — building and maintaining real-time applications, not just configuring existing ones
- Hands-on experience with CAN bus, EtherCAT, Modbus, and TCP/IP in deployed, real-world systems
- Python proficiency for test automation, data analysis, and tooling
- Electrical background with hands-on grounding architecture, oscilloscope-based fault diagnosis, and signal conditioning in mixed high/low voltage environments
- Experience with version control (Git) and structured software development practices
Bonus Qualifications:
- NI Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) or Architect (CLA)
- Experience in aerospace, EV powertrain, motor drive, or power electronics test environments
- HIL or real-time validation experience (NI, dSPACE, Speedgoat, or equivalent)
- Familiarity with NI SystemLink, DIAdem, or TestStand
- Additional protocols: EtherNet/IP, LIN, RS-232/485
- Electrical CAD tools (EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical)
Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.
At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $126,700 - $158,400. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Archer is committed to provide a safe workplace and a safe aircraft. This is a safety sensitive designated role. Employment in safety sensitive positions is contingent on successful passage of a background check and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screening.
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 People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.
Skills
As published by greenhouse · 9 questions · 2 written answers
Basics
First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone, Resume/CV, Cover Letter, Location
Short answers (2)
- LinkedIn Profile optional
- Website optional
Pick from a list (5)
- Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
- Will you now, or at any point during your employment, require Archer to sponsor or petition for a nonimmigrant work visa status on your behalf? (Please note: If you hold a temporary or nonimmigrant status or work authorization, including but not limited to F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, H-1B, H-4, J-1, L-1, or EAD, please respond with "Yes" so that Archer can determine whether future sponsorship actions may be needed.)
- Consistent with company policy, employees are expected to report to work onsite at our offices. Are you open to relocating to our corporate headquarters in San Jose, CA?
- Were you referred to Archer by a current employee?
- By selecting YES, I consent to receive recruiting SMS messages from Archer Aviation at the phone number provided on above. optional
Written answers (2)
- What are your base ($USD) expectations?
- If you were referred, please provide the name of the employee.