Corporate Development Director

Corporate Development ManagerSan Jose, California, United StatesArcher 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 Role:You will play a key role in driving Archer's merger and acquisition efforts, from thesis formation and target sourcing through diligence, valuation, transaction execution, and handoff to integration. You will operate across each of Archer's business lines to identify, evaluate, and execute transactions that shape the company's long-term direction. This is a high-ownership, high-impact role with direct exposure to senior leaders.What You'll Do:Build and maintain Archer's M&A target pipeline, including sourcing and screening targetsConduct market research and strategic analysis across the aerospace, defense, and aviation software sectors, including TAM, market mapping, and competitive landscape assessmentsDevelop financial models and valuation analyses to support deal structuring and investment decisionsOwn the transaction due diligence process: draft and track diligence request lists, manage virtual data rooms, coordinate cross-functional workstreams, and synthesize findings into implications for deal termsSupport transaction execution alongside outside counsel and financial advisors, including review of term sheets and definitive transaction documentsPut AI tools to work as a force multiplier – automating screening, diligence tracking, and research synthesis – to increase the volume of deals the team can evaluate and executePrepare executive-ready deliverables that translate complex analysis into clear recommendationsRepresent Archer at industry events, conferences, and trade shows to build relationships with potential targets, partners, and advisorsSupport the Corporate Development team on integration planning and execution effortsWhat You'll Need:4-6 years of experience in investment banking, corporate development, private equity, strategy consulting, or related industries requiring a high level of critical thinking, execution, and delivery, with direct exposure to live M&A or strategic transaction processesStrong financial modeling and valuation skills, including three-statement modeling, scenario analysis, and comfort building models from scratch with imperfect informationDemonstrated ability to run a structured diligence process, including data room management, request list tracking, and cross-functional coordinationExceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to distill complex commercial, technical, and financial concepts into crisp, executive-ready materialsHigh ownership mentality and comfort operating in ambiguity, with the judgment to prioritize and drive workstreams forward independently in a fast-paced environmentBachelor's degree in finance, economics, engineering, or a related fieldBonus Qualifications:Experience or interest in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or other hardware / deep-tech industriesFluency with market intelligence tools such as PitchBook, Capital IQ, or AlphaSense