Y Combinator Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer
Summary
Senior engineer in San Jose oversees supplier quality for powertrain components in an aerospace startup, ensuring safety-critical hardware meets AS9145 and FAA/EASA standards.
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.
- Senior Systems Ownership: 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality or Manufacturing Engineering, with a specific focus on Powertrain components. Strong preference for experience in aerospace, machining, engine or rotating components.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Aerospace or Manufacturing Engineering.
- Functional Testing Expertise: Proven capability to support and troubleshoot powertrain component testing, including Acceptance Test Procedure execution, functional and performance bench testing, and environmental or stress testing for safety critical engine hardware.
- APQP for Systems: Strong command of AS9145 (APQP/PPAP). You know how to ensure a supplier’s "Black Box" meets all requirements through robust Design Verification and Process Validation.
- Technical Bridge-Building: Serve as a technical liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders, including Engineering, Supply chain, Manufacturing and Program Managements. Support drawing reviews, technical clarifications, and manufacturability assessments during new product introductions and design changes.
- Powertrain Systems & Components: Experience managing suppliers of engine and powertrain components, including rotating hardware, fuel and lubrication systems, castings, forgings, and other safety critical propulsion components.
- Engine Systems Integration: Familiarity with the integration, installation, and validation of powertrain at both component and system levels.
- Certification & Regulatory Support: Previous experience supporting FAA/EASA Type Certification (TC), including quality oversight related to engine hardware qualification, process validation, conformity, and compliance with applicable certification requirements.
- Supplier Capacity & Industrialization Scaling: Expertise in evaluating supplier readiness and scalability for powertrain and engine component manufacturing, including transitions from prototype or low‑rate production to higher‑rate, fully industrialized manufacturing environments.
- Digital Traceability: Experience using PLM and ERP systems to manage complex BOMs (Bill of Materials) and ensure serial-number-level traceability across the supply chain.
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 people@archer.com. 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 People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.
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.