Federal Affairs Lead

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, we are designing the future of flight. From unveiling our production aircraft, Midnight, to launching a defense-focused division in late 2024, our mission is to revolutionize urban air mobility and defense applications globally. We are a lean, fast-paced team that thrives on technical innovation, a "safety-first" culture, and a commitment to commercializing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology in the world’s busiest cities.

Our Government Affairs team is the bridge between Archer’s cutting-edge engineering and the federal policy landscape. We manage critical agency relationships across the DOT, FAA, and the White House. Our team ensures Archer remains at the forefront of the regulatory conversations that will define the next century of aviation.

What You’ll Do:

Archer is seeking a Federal Affairs Lead to serve as a key liaison on Capitol Hill. Based in Washington, D.C., you will be the "boots on the ground" responsible for navigating the complexities of the federal legislative environment. This is a junior to mid-level role designed for a self-starter who thrives in a high-autonomy environment—specifically our D.C. hub—and can navigate fast-paced environments.

You will report to Archer's Head of Government Affairs to ensure Archer’s mission is understood and supported by key policymakers.

• Shape the Future of Flight: Execute a high-impact federal strategy to architect the policy frameworks that will define the next century of Advanced Air Mobility.
• Champion Archer’s Mission: Build and cultivate influential partnerships across Capitol Hill, federal agencies, and industry associations to champion Archer’s vision and strategic priorities.
• Drive Strategic Intelligence: Act as the internal pulse on Washington, translating complex regulatory and policy shifts into actionable insights that steer our global business strategy.
• Be the Voice of Innovation: Represent Archer as a thought leader at premier D.C. events and member organizations, ensuring our voice is at the center of the conversation shaping the AAM industry.
• Craft Compelling Narratives: Develop high-stakes briefings and advocacy materials that simplify complex technologies into powerful, persuasive narratives for the nation’s top policymakers.
• Collaborate for Impact: Partner with internal innovators to bridge the gap between policy and technology, fostering a nimble, results-driven environment that moves at the speed of flight.

What You Need:

• Proven Track Record: 3+ years of impact within policy, regulatory, or government affairs—ideally forged on Capitol Hill—paired with a degree in Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field.
• Sector Sophistication: Familiarity with the federal landscape, specifically within transportation, aerospace, or emerging technology policy.
• Master Communicator: An exceptional ability to translate complex, cutting-edge technical concepts into clear, persuasive narratives for diverse, non-technical audiences.
• Relationship Architect: A natural at building and sustaining high-trust partnerships with Congressional staff, agency stakeholders, and key advocacy organizations.
• Analytical Rigor: A sharp eye for detail, with the ability to dissect complex policy documents and distill them into high-level, actionable business intelligence.
• Industry Edge: Prior exposure to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) or aviation concepts is a significant advantage, but a passion for disrupting the status quo is a must.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Strategic thinker with a bias for action and results
• Comfortable balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative team player who thrives across time zones with diverse stakeholders

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 $115,000 - $154,000. 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.