Senior Aerospace Development Specialist

Archer•San Jose, CA

3d•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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field OR equivalent experience in instrumentation and aerospace testing
12+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace manufacturing or MRO, with a minimum of 8 years on development or prototype programs
Proficiency interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, composite ply books, and manufacturing process specifications
Experience working with data acquisition systems and signal conditioning hardware
Ability to read and produce wiring diagrams and instrumentation schematics
Experience performing and/or supporting NDI methods (ultrasonic, tap test, visual inspection)
Familiarity with aerospace quality systems (AS9100, FAA Part 21/145 environments)
Strong mechanical troubleshooting aptitude and structured problem-solving approach

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated expertise in fabricating composite structures — wet layup, prepreg, autoclave cure, out-of-autoclave processes, and secondary bonding
Experience operating a prototype or model shop: CNC machining, manual lathe/mill, waterjet, or EDM
Composite process certification (e.g., Boeing D6-17487, Nadcap AC7118)
Familiarity with eVTOL, UAV, or other novel aircraft development environments
Experience with structural test article build and instrumentation (strain gauges, load introduction fittings)

Responsibilities

Fabricate, inspect, and repair safety-critical composite structures, including rotor blades, in accordance with engineering drawings, process specifications, and quality plans
Support development test campaigns — including fabrication of ground test articles and other test specimens as well as flight hardware — through all phases from layup through post-cure processing and NDI
Operate and maintain prototype lab equipment including CNC mills, lathes, routers, and associated tooling to produce development hardware and fixtures
Work with the design team to select appropriate instrumentation for dynamic systems (rotors, blades, propellers, transmissions) and other mechanical assemblies
Work with the team to develop wiring schematics, instrumentation diagrams, and channel lists for test programs
Select, configure, and integrate data acquisition systems and signal conditioning hardware
Troubleshoot manufacturing non-conformances, process anomalies, and test anomalies in collaboration with engineering; disposition discrepancies and drive root cause resolution
Instrument ground and flight test components, including installation of sensors and wiring, routing of instrumentation cables, and fabrication of wiring harnesses
Integrate instrumentation with DAQ and verify signal integrity
Assist in calibration of sensors and measurement systems
Travel to test sites, supplier facilities, and customer locations to provide direct fabrication and assembly support, including extended field campaigns as program needs require
Maintain calibration records, work order documentation, and material traceability in compliance with quality management system requirements