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Thrust Unit Sustaining Engineer Lead

San Jose, California, United States

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:

In the Thrust Unit Sustaining Engineering Lead role, you will direct the end-to-end sustaining engineering function for electric propulsion systems while serving as the front-line technical authority for manufacturing and flight test issues. You will lead a team responsible for continuous product improvement and problem resolution, driving rapid response to technical challenges that impact production and flight operations.

Specifically, you will…

  • Lead sustaining engineering team supporting thrust unit production and flight operations
  • Serve as primary technical interface for manufacturing quality issues and flight test anomalies
  • Establish and implement robust root cause analysis methodologies for component failures
  • Drive resolution of critical technical issues affecting production or flight operations
  • Develop technical standards and best practices for sustaining engineering activities
  • Analyze performance data to identify reliability trends and improvement opportunities
  • Coordinate real-time engineering support for flight test operations and anomaly resolution
  • Establish metrics and KPIs for measuring sustaining engineering effectiveness
  • Mentor junior engineers in problem-solving methodologies and technical analysis
  • Develop strategic roadmap for sustaining engineering capabilities and process improvements
  • Create documentation standards for failure investigation reports and corrective actions

What You Need:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related field
  • 8+ years experience in product engineering, manufacturing support, or sustaining engineering
  • Experience leading technical teams and coordinating across organizational boundaries (design, manufacturing, quality, test)
  • Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis and technical problem resolution
  • Background in rotating machinery, gearboxes, or electric motor systems
  • Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret test data and performance metrics
  • Knowledge of Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) methodologies
  • Strong communication skills with ability to present technical findings to diverse audiences
  • Experience supporting production operations and resolving manufacturing issues

Bonus Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Engineering or related field
  • Experience in aviation/aerospace sustaining engineering
  • Deep knowledge of electric propulsion systems (inc. motors, inverters, gearboxes, propellers)
  • Experience supporting flight test operations and resolving flight test anomalies
  • Background in reliability engineering and performance analysis
  • Experience with PLM systems and configuration management
  • Track record of implementing process improvements and engineering standards
  • Experience with statistical analysis techniques for failure trending
  • Understanding of FAA continued airworthiness requirements
  • Experience with supplier quality management and component failure resolution

 

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 $134,400.00 - $168,000.00. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

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.

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