Senior Prototype Build Technician

Archer•San Jose, CA

2d•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. About The Team At Archer’s Production Realization Lab, we build the electromechanical infrastructure that makes flight possible. We bring everything from megawatt-scale dynamometers and complex electrical test stands to bespoke mechanical equipment from concept to reality. We are seeking a Prototype Build Technician to support the Test Equipment Design and Build team. In this role, you will be responsible for building, troubleshooting, and maintaining the custom machinery that powers our development, validation, and certification efforts. The ideal candidate is a versatile technician who thrives on building from drawings, solving problems on the fly, and collaborating with engineers in a fast-paced environment to push the boundaries of aviation.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree or equivalent hands-on experience in automotive, mechanical, or electronics engineering, with a proven track record of building from complex engineering documentation.
Proficient in mechanical systems, pneumatics, and hydraulics, with a deep understanding of how to troubleshoot and refine integrated electro-mechanical equipment.
Mastery of soldering, electronics fabrication, and wire harness assembly, backed by a working knowledge of NFPA and IEC wiring standards.
Experience working safely with high-voltage systems and a solid command of OSHA machine safety standards and 5S workplace organization.
Skilled in using inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, etc.) and comfortable navigating CAD software (NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks) to interpret designs.
High standards for workmanship and quality, with the written communication skills to document processes clearly via Google Workspace.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs in a fast-paced shop environment.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in MIG and/or TIG welding and manual machining (mill and lathe) to modify or create parts on the fly.
Prior experience navigating the unique demands of R&D, prototype, or lab-based environments where requirements evolve rapidly.
Familiarity with custom-built test equipment or automated systems, including a baseline understanding of how hardware integrates with software controls.

Responsibilities

Assemble complex electromechanical systems, ranging from precision mechanical assemblies to high-power electrical enclosures, using engineering drawings and schematics.
Collaborate directly with engineers to identify "as-built" challenges, providing real-time feedback and suggesting design or process improvements to streamline production.
Support critical R&D activities, including proof-of-concept builds and the validation of new assembly processes for cutting-edge flight hardware.
Build and integrate high-quality wire harnesses and electrical subsystems based on detailed technical documentation.
Ensure a world-class workspace by performing routine equipment maintenance and collaborating with the team to uphold safety and organizational standards.
Proactively identify, order, and procure the specialized tools, hardware, and materials necessary to keep build schedules on track.
Author and update assembly procedures to document best practices, and provide hands-on training to fellow technicians and engineers during complex validations.