Principal M&P Engineer, Metallics

Archer•San Jose, CA

10h

About The Position

Archer is seeking an experienced Materials and Processes (M&P) Engineer to serve as the Metallics Subject Matter Expert for the airframe of its next-generation electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The aircraft is being certified under FAA airworthiness criteria derived from 14 CFR Part 23 eVTOL aircraft and Part 21.17(b) powered-lift. The role is the technical authority for metallic materials and processes used across primary and secondary airframe structures, covering alloy selection and specification development through qualification, production support, and FAA certification. This is a hands-on role on a fast-moving program. The successful candidate will bring deep metallurgical expertise, knowledge of aerospace specifications and certification requirements, and the judgment to make timely decisions with incomplete information. Archer describes the desired approach as flexible under changing priorities, urgent, and effective under pressure. The role also contributes to building and maturing Archer’s metallics M&P capability, including laboratory test methods, processes, tools, and mentorship of junior engineers. Compensation is targeted at a base pay of $219,000–$273,700; actual compensation depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
At least 8 years of aerospace M&P experience focused on metallic materials and processes, including direct support of metallic structures; 6 years is specified for candidates with an advanced degree.
A demonstrated record leading material and process qualification, specification development, and FAA or equivalent EASA/military certification activities.
In-depth knowledge of aerospace aluminum alloys, including 2xxx, 6xxx, and 7xxx series and tempers; titanium such as Ti-6Al-4V; precipitation-hardening and corrosion-resistant steels such as 15-5PH, 17-4PH, A286, 440C, and 314; and low-alloy steels such as 4130, 4340, and 300M.
Strong understanding of physical metallurgy, heat treatment, microstructure-property relationships, fatigue, fracture mechanics, damage tolerance, stress corrosion cracking, and hydrogen embrittlement.
Working knowledge of special processes including heat treatment, anodizing, conversion coating, passivation, plating, shot peening, and welding/joining, with familiarity with the cited AMS, MIL, and AWS specifications.
Fluency with MMPDS, SAE AMS, ASTM, MIL, and NAS specifications, and galvanic compatibility guidance such as MIL-STD-889.
Experience with nondestructive testing methods including dye penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, and eddy current inspection, and defining acceptance criteria.
Familiarity with FAA regulations, Advisory Circulars, and M&P-related airworthiness requirements, including material and process control, fabrication methods, and material strength properties and design values.
Hands-on experience with fractography, metallography, and SEM/EDS for root cause analysis.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD degree.
Experience on a new aircraft development and type certification program, ideally in eVTOL, general aviation, or rotorcraft.
Experience with forgings and castings, including casting factors and classification such as AMS 2175.
Experience with metallic-composite hybrid structures, fastener systems, and bonded or sealed joints.
Experience conducting supplier audits, establishing or approving NADCAP-accredited special processes, or working with AS9100 quality management systems.
FAA DER or Designee experience, or experience working directly with Designees and FAA Aircraft Certification Offices.

Responsibilities

Serve as the M&P Metallics subject matter expert and own metallic material and process decisions for aluminum, titanium, steel, and corrosion-resistant alloys used in structure, engine, battery components, fittings, and fasteners.
Develop compliance data and substantiation for M&P-related airworthiness requirements, and work with the FAA, DERs, and internal certification teams on certification activities.
Develop, author, and review internal M&P engineering specifications, test plans, and other specifications.
Work with stress, design, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and certification teams to make timely program trade-offs.
Help build and mature Archer’s metallics M&P capability, including laboratory test methods, processes, tools, and mentorship of junior engineers.
Plan and execute metallic material and process qualification programs, including test plans, test matrices, conformity, data review, and reports.
Establish material strength properties and design values using MMPDS and statistically based methods.
Author and maintain material and process specifications, design guidelines, and standards for heat treatment, surface treatment, plating, shot peening, welding and joining, machining, and inspection.
Lead alloy, temper, and product-form selection across plate, sheet, extrusion, forging, casting, bar, and additively manufactured parts, balancing performance, corrosion resistance, weight, cost, and manufacturability.
Define corrosion prevention and control requirements for metallic structure, including galvanic compatibility, dissimilar-material isolation, sealants, and finish systems.
Support manufacturing and suppliers through MRB dispositions, nonconformance resolution, first article inspections, special-process source approvals, and supplier audits.
Lead failure analysis and root cause investigations using fractography, metallography, SEM/EDS, and hardness and conductivity testing, and drive corrective and preventive actions to closure.
Define metallic fatigue and damage-tolerance methodology, including slow crack growth and safe-life, in coordination with the structures team.