Manager, Motor Mechanical

Archer • San Jose, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

As the motor mechanical design lead on our Electric Propulsion Team, you'll be at the forefront of solving complex challenges that directly impact the performance, safety, and evolution of Archer's cutting-edge electric aviation technology. In this role you’ll be leading the team that serves as the bridge between electromagnetic theory and physical reality, applying advanced mechanical engineering principles to turn analytical models into robust, high-performance electric motors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in the mechanical design of electric machines (motors/generators), with at least 2+ years of direct people management or formal team leadership experience.
• Deep understanding of electric motor construction, including lamination stacks, winding techniques, magnet retention, and insulation materials.
• Proven ability to manage engineering priorities, track project schedules, and drive complex hardware development cycles from concept to production.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple overlapping priorities for both yourself and your team.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills to influence executive decision-making and translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Expert-level understanding of 3D CAD modeling (NX preferred) and 2D drawing creation/review with advanced GD&T.
• Strong knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes relevant to electric motors (e.g., wire forming, injection molding,, potting, shrink fits, laser welding).
• Experience with thermal management and structural analysis of rotating machinery.
• Familiarity with the physics of electric motor operation, including performance determinants and losses.
• Availability for domestic travel as needed.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality in engineering practices.

Nice To Haves

• Aerospace development and certification experience (FAA/EASA).
• Experience with high-speed rotor dynamics and balancing.
• Familiarity with hardware project management tools (e.g., Jira, MS Project, Smartsheet).
• Familiarity with FEA software packages (ANSYS, NASTRAN) for structural and thermal analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of mechanical design engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Track project priorities, allocate team resources, and manage engineering timelines to ensure critical motor development milestones are met on schedule.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, manage performance reviews, and guide the professional development of your team members.
• Serve as the primary point of accountability for the motor mechanical design team's deliverables during program-level planning and status meetings.
• Direct the detailed mechanical design of stator and rotor assemblies, ensuring the team meets strict structural integrity, weight, and thermal performance requirements.
• Lead comprehensive design reviews, providing final sign-off on CAD models, technical drawings, GD&T, and engineering specifications.
• Oversee the development of critical sub-systems, such as lightweight, high-speed rotor assemblies and high-voltage insulation systems.
• Guide the team’s collaboration with the CAE group to define finite element analysis (FEA) strategies that verify strength, dynamic, and fatigue requirements.
• Oversee your team's participation in development testing, ensuring thermal predictions and durability requirements are validated against physical data.
• Lead the triaging, root cause analysis, and resolution of complex, critical issues discovered during the design, manufacturing, testing, and development cycles.
• Partner closely with electromagnetic and thermal leadership to ensure analytical models are successfully translated into functioning, manufacturable parts.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure DFM (design for manufacturing) feedback is implemented and components meet rigorous aviation standards at scale.
• Coordinate with the broader electric propulsion leadership to drive the seamless mechanical integration of motor components into the main engine assembly.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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 [email protected] . Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager