Metrology Manager

Archer•San Jose, CA

20h

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. What you’ll do Report to the Director of Product Quality and assume full ownership of the development, implementation, and governance of Archer's enterprise Metrology Program across all operational sites, including San Jose and Covington. Define and execute the strategic roadmap for metrology tools, systems, and processes, including laser trackers, portable coordinate measuring arms, CMMs, and advanced software platforms. Lead the establishment of comprehensive aircraft inspection plans for the test and conformity verification phases of the program, incorporating model-based definition (MBD), geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and tolerance stack-up analysis methodologies. Design and oversee a robust verification framework for the Midnight program, employing risk-based inspection strategies informed by design reviews, critical characteristic identification, and process capability assessments. Develop, validate, and standardize measurement programs for critical aircraft features, including wing dimensions and other key structural geometries, utilizing laser tracker and portable metrology technologies. Author measurement procedures and train metrology personnel to execute with consistency and precision. Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Flight Test teams to embed metrology and dimensional quality considerations into design reviews, manufacturing planning, and assembly processes from the earliest stages. Establish standardized inspection techniques, measurement uncertainty protocols, and calibration governance aligned with industry best practices and applicable quality management system requirements.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in metrology and dimensional inspection within aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
Expert-level proficiency with industry-standard metrology software platforms, including but not limited to Calypso, PolyWorks, and/or FARO software suites.
Extensive hands-on and supervisory experience with CMMs, laser trackers, articulating arms, optical measurement systems, and other precision metrology equipment.
Strong command of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), complex geometry evaluation, model-based engineering/definition (MBE/MBD), and tolerance stack-up analysis.
Demonstrated experience establishing metrology programs, quality oversight frameworks, and standardized inspection methodologies in a production or test environment.
Working knowledge of aerospace quality standards, including AS9100, AS9103 (Variation Management of Key Characteristics), AS9145 (APQP/PPAP), and AS6500 (Manufacturing Management Program).
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop technical personnel in metrology best practices.
Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of influencing cross-functional stakeholders and driving alignment in fast-paced, technically complex environments.

Nice To Haves

Experience with composite structure verification, including bonding process validation and inspection of non-rigid or flexible geometries.
Direct experience interfacing with the FAA or other airworthiness authorities in support of type certification, conformity inspection, or production approval processes.
Familiarity with electric powertrain components, precision gear metrology, or complex aerospace assembly and integration processes.
Experience operating within a startup or rapid-growth environment, with the ability to build systems and processes from inception while maintaining regulatory rigor.

Responsibilities

Report to the Director of Product Quality and assume full ownership of the development, implementation, and governance of Archer's enterprise Metrology Program across all operational sites, including San Jose and Covington.
Define and execute the strategic roadmap for metrology tools, systems, and processes, including laser trackers, portable coordinate measuring arms, CMMs, and advanced software platforms.
Lead the establishment of comprehensive aircraft inspection plans for the test and conformity verification phases of the program, incorporating model-based definition (MBD), geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and tolerance stack-up analysis methodologies.
Design and oversee a robust verification framework for the Midnight program, employing risk-based inspection strategies informed by design reviews, critical characteristic identification, and process capability assessments.
Develop, validate, and standardize measurement programs for critical aircraft features, including wing dimensions and other key structural geometries, utilizing laser tracker and portable metrology technologies.
Author measurement procedures and train metrology personnel to execute with consistency and precision.
Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Flight Test teams to embed metrology and dimensional quality considerations into design reviews, manufacturing planning, and assembly processes from the earliest stages.
Establish standardized inspection techniques, measurement uncertainty protocols, and calibration governance aligned with industry best practices and applicable quality management system requirements.

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