Powertrain (EPS) Manufacturing Technician Lead

Archer • San Jose, CA

32d • $55 - $72 • Onsite

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 part of the mission at Archer, we’re scaling production of our cutting-edge Electric Propulsion System (EPS) — the heart of our eVTOL aircraft. EPS comprises the Electric Motor, Inverter and Propeller assemblies.

As a Powertrain (EPS) Manufacturing Technician Lead, you will be in a hands-on role assembling variants of engines for our Midnight aircraft, utilizing your deep electromechanical expertise to troubleshoot complex builds, interpret schematics, and execute critical reworks in a fast-paced, non-standardized environment. In this role, you will take full ownership of engineering projects while naturally leading the line by training junior technicians and managing seamless shift handoffs.

Requirements

• An Associate’s Degree (or equivalent industry experience) paired with 5+ years of manufacturing experience, including 3+ years specifically focused on electric engine assembly.
• Proven experience thriving in an R&D, NPI, or early-stage production environment where processes are still evolving.
• Strong hands-on experience building complex mechanical and electronic assemblies using technical documentation, schematics, and blueprints.
• High workmanship standards with the ability to closely follow formal build instructions, accurately document deviations, and utilize Microsoft Office for clear reporting.
• Solid understanding of drafting standards with the ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings to build parts and assemblies.
• Proficient in using measurement and inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, CMM) to ensure high-quality standards.
• Familiarity with 5S organization and a strict adherence to maintenance safety protocols (including LOTO, Arc Flash, etc.).

Nice To Haves

• Active IPC Certifications or strong knowledge of IPC standards.
• Direct experience assembling or working with stator windings.
• Experience utilizing SAP or similar enterprise ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key point of contact on the floor by assisting with onboarding, training junior team members, and ensuring smooth communication during shift handoffs.
• Work closely with engineering teams to support equipment bring-up, provide feedback on process validation, and help bridge the gap between design and production.
• Build electric engines (including inverters, stators, gearboxes, and motors) using a mix of manual, semi-automated, and automated equipment.
• Take ownership of debugging electric engines, troubleshooting equipment or process disruptions, and handling complex reworks where standard procedures may still be evolving.
• Setup and build basic lab fixtures and assembly tools to support the line's build flows.
• Perform detailed inspections and product measurements using metrology tools (calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, measurement microscopes) to maintain strict quality standards.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and keep the workspace calibrated and audit-ready.

Benefits

• pay-for-performance culture
• reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy
• hourly base pay between $55.00 - $72.00
• safe workplace
• reasonable accommodations for job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs
• Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy
• Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree