Staff Equipment Design Engineer
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.
About The Team
At Archer, our internal Equipment Design team enables rapid innovation by designing, procuring, and building custom tooling and automation in-house. By keeping this capability internal, we move faster through product and process iterations while driving significant capital efficiency.
As our scope has expanded from High Voltage Power Systems (HVPS) and Electric Propulsion Systems (EPS) to supporting all manufacturing teams across the company, we are hiring an Equipment Engineer. In this role, you’ll tackle ground-up equipment design under unique aerospace constraints, creating novel automation systems engineered to exceed the rigorous quality and traceability standards of the eVTOL industry.
You will work cross-functionally with Aircraft Manufacturing, Powertrain, Controls, and Advanced Manufacturing teams to own cradle-to-grave equipment solutions for both current production and future programs.
What You’ll Do:
- End-to-End Ownership: Lead the complete lifecycle of custom manufacturing equipment, tooling, and automation—from initial greenfield concepts and engineering analysis through assembly, factory bring-up, and handoff.
- Mechanical & Mechatronic Design: Architect complex mechanisms, kinematic systems, and fluid power equipment, executing detailed stress, deflection, and tolerance stack (GD&T) analyses.
- Component Integration: Select, size, and integrate off-the-shelf actuators, sensors, and hardware to build high-precision mechatronic systems with open and closed-loop controls.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with design teams on DFM/DFA feedback, document design trade-offs for stakeholders, and advise team members on robust machine architectures.
- Hands-On Commissioning & Floor Support: Manage procurement, oversee physical builds, troubleshoot automation on the floor, and refine processes to ensure seamless operational integration.
- Continuous Improvement: Develop internal design tools, standards, and workflows to accelerate team productivity and scale our internal equipment building capabilities.
What You Need:
- Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent practical experience) with 5+ years of hands-on equipment design experience.
- CAD & Drafting Mastery: Deep proficiency in 2D/3D CAD for creating clean manufacturing layouts, complex assembly models, and fabrication-ready part drawings.
- Engineering Fundamentals: Strong foundation in engineering mechanics, machine design, material selection, structural analysis, and GD&T application.
- Commissioning & Shop Skills: Proven track record commissioning automated machinery on the factory floor, paired with practical hand-tool and mechanical assembly skills.
- Communication & Execution: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to maintain focus, organization, and speed in a fast-paced environment.
- Mobility: Ability to travel up to 10% (domestic and international) to support vendor integration and equipment deployments.
Bonus Qualifications:
- Domain Expertise: Prior experience designing equipment for High Voltage Power Systems (HVPS), Electric Propulsion Systems (EPS), or aerospace manufacturing environment.
- CAD & Systems Tools: Proficiency with Siemens NX alongside familiarization with PLM, MES, and ERP enterprise software.
- Automation & Controls: Direct, hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting industrial automation hardware (PLCs, 6-axis robots, gantries, vision systems).
- Fabrication Skills: Practical machining, welding, or hands-on prototyping experience.
- Scale Experience: Proven track record bringing manufacturing lines from early-stage prototype phases to full-rate production.
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 $152,100 - $190,100. 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.
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.