Y Combinator Staff Manufacturing Test Engineer
Summary
Designs and executes aircraft-level functional tests to validate performance and integration of all-electric eVTOL aircraft during manufacturing, ensuring readiness for delivery and flight testing.
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.
About the role:
This role sits within Manufacturing Engineering and is responsible for aircraft-level functional and end-of-line testing as each vehicle is manufactured. You will help ensure each aircraft meets required performance, integration, and system-level standards before delivery or progression into flight testing.
You’ll focus on validating that each individual build behaves as intended—verifying systems, software, electrical behavior, and overall functional readiness—while supporting the transition from prototype to production.
What you’ll do:
- Own the end-to-end functional test strategy for aircraft systems across manufacturing, from early builds through certified production
- Drive cross-functional alignment between manufacturing, design engineering, flight test, and certification to define test requirements and coverage
- Architect and scale automated manufacturing test solutions to improve quality, repeatability, and throughput
- Lead execution of functional testing in lab environments and on aircraft, supporting fast-paced transitions from prototype to production lines
- Define how functional test integrates with Archer’s manufacturing engineering systems, data infrastructure, and production workflows
- Identify gaps, risks, and inefficiencies in test coverage and proactively drive solutions at the system level
What you need:
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field
- 7+ years of experience in aircraft systems or subsystem test engineering, including ownership of test scope and strategy
- Experience testing aircraft systems developed under 14 CFR Part 23/25/27/29 or equivalent regulatory frameworks
- Strong background in electrical and software-driven testing (most mechanical systems are software-controlled)
- Experience designing or influencing data acquisition and test architectures (specific platforms not required)
- Scripting fluency (Python preferred) for automation, analysis, and test enablement
- Ability to work effectively within existing manufacturing and test data ecosystems
- Ability to read electrical schematics and interpret results from wiring, integration, and functional tests
- Proven ability to communicate complex technical topics and influence across disciplines
Bonus Qualifications:
- Led or significantly contributed to full aircraft type certification from program start through approval
- Experience integrating test with enterprise systems such as SAP
- Experience with Capital wiring harness software
- Working knowledge of common aircraft communication standards (CANbus, RS-485/422, ARINC-429)
- Familiarity with Garmin avionics systems
- Part 23 certification depth
- eVTOL or advanced air mobility experience
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 $151,680 - $189,600. 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.
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 · 11 questions · 3 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 (6)
- 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?
- Have worked in an environment tied to FAA-certified aircraft?
- By selecting YES, I consent to receive recruiting SMS messages from Archer Aviation at the phone number provided on above. optional
Written answers (3)
- What are your base ($USD) expectations?
- If you were referred, please provide the name of the employee.
- If you have worked in an environment tied to FAA-certified aircraft, please briefly describe your experience/exposure to certified aircraft development environments (OEM, Tier 1, civilian aircraft programs).
