Design Engineer - Thrust Unit Integration

Archer•San Jose, CA

5d•$172,000 - $225,000

About The Position

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. As a Design Engineer on our Thrust Unit team, you'll play a critical role in integrating and optimizing the complete propulsion system that powers Archer's revolutionary electric aircraft. This position combines systems-level thinking with detailed mechanical design expertise to ensure our thrust units—comprising electric engines, propellers, and tilting mechanisms—deliver exceptional performance while seamlessly integrating with our aircraft platforms.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering, or related field
Experience with system-level integration and interface management
Experience generating Bills of Materials (BOM) and managing change control processes
Proficiency in CAD modeling (NX preferred), 2D drawings, tolerance analysis, and GD&T
Understanding of mass budgeting, configuration management, and systems integration
Knowledge of manufacturing processes for aerospace structural components including machining, joining methods, and composite manufacturing
Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional technical initiatives across multiple subsystem teams
Excellent documentation and communication skills for maintaining complex interface requirements
Capacity to manage multiple integration challenges and priorities simultaneously
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for resolving interface conflicts
Availability for domestic travel as needed
Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality in engineering practices

Nice To Haves

Aerospace development and certification experience
Experience with electric propulsion systems or hybrid powertrains
Self-motivated with exceptional attention to detail and systems-thinking approach

Responsibilities

Design and develop CAD and drawings to document interfaces between thrust unit subsystems and airframe interfaces
Own and maintain thrust unit envelope CAD models and keep out zones to enable comprehensive vehicle package studies
Maintain thrust unit configuration management, tracking various pedigrees and versions of hardware
Assist in defining assembly processes and techniques and standardizing across the department
Interface with maintenance team to ensure thrust unit designs meet serviceability goals and enable efficient maintenance operations
Collaborate with manufacturing team to ensure seamless aircraft integration processes, optimize assembly tooling design, and develop suitable shipping and handling solutions
Drive bolted joint analysis and validation
Maintain comprehensive mass budget tracking for all thrust unit subsystems, identifying risks and weight optimization opportunities
Conduct trade studies to optimize system integration, mass efficiency, and performance
Support test planning and validation activities for thrust unit assemblies
Analyze test data and implement design improvements based on findings
Work cross-functionally with sourcing and quality teams to support supplier selection, component qualification, and inspection requirements for integration components
Participate in design reviews and provide technical expertise for critical integration decisions
Drive improvements to existing processes and develop new procedures as needed