Tooling Design Engineer

Archer is an aerospace and defense company headquartered in San Jose, California, building the aircraft and technology that will define the next era of flight. The company works across air taxis, UAS, AI and powertrain development - building real-world systems that combine software intelligence with physical hardware. That includes Midnight, Archer's all-electric air taxi; Halo, an autonomous vertical takeoff and landing aircraft built for both commercial and defense use; and ZEE, Archer's AI foundation model built specifically for aviation. We're seeking exceptional engineers, operators and builders to join us on our mission to build the future of aerospace and defense.

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.

What You'll Do:

• Work closely with airframe design & manufacturing engineers to provide manufacturing/assembly input during initial design stages.
• Design tooling for trim, drill, and assembly operations, as well as manufacturing aids to help with day-to-day production; this includes conceptualization, material selection, vendor sourcing and final inspection.
• Create all CAD files and drawings for assembly fixtures using 3D CAD Software (NX experience preferred). Must be proficient with GD&T.
• Design, set-up, and dimensionally inspect/interrogate assembly fixturing to support locating and bonding & fastening of large, complex, primary structure using laser trackers and dimensional inspection equipment.
• Create design review presentations and analysis reports to communicate and substantiate tooling designs.
• Suggest and incorporate changes in design to improve manufacturability, error-proofing, ergonomic handling, efficiency, and production.
• Interface with manufacturing engineers, design engineers, engineering management, operations, shop floor personnel, and external vendors.

What You Need:

• Minimum of 7 years of professional industry experience.
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Hands-on experience with fabrication and assembly skills (demonstrated through past work or experience via a student team, internship, or personal project).
• Previous experience manufacturing/assembling a full vehicle including exposure to integration efforts.
• Demonstrated exposure to prototype environment with ability to problem solve
• Understanding of composite part design, material properties, allowables and testing.
• Proficiency with solid modeling and surfacing in 3D CAD Software (NX preferred).
• Proficiency with Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong communication and inter-personal skills.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience programming and handling laser trackers and other dimensional inspection equipment.
• Ability to operate composites related equipment, 3d printers, small CNC routers
• Experience using Fibersim or Composite Workbench
• Passion for aviation and eVTOLs

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $114,000 - $142,000/annually. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at View email address on click.appcast.io. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.
Certain positions may be eligible for visa sponsorship.
Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.