Senior Flight Test Data Engineer, Loads

Senior Flight Test Data Engineer, LoadsSan 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.What You'll DoAs a Senior Flight Test Loads Data Engineer, you'll sit at the intersection of aircraft loads analysis and flight test operations — designing and operating the systems that capture, process, and validate loads data from our aircraft, and turning that data into actionable structural insights that drive certification and design decisions.Design, configure, and maintain flight test data acquisition system (DAS) software for structural loads measurements, including strain gauges, accelerometers, pressure transducers, and inertial sensorsDevelop and validate loads equations and transfer functions to derive internal structural loads from measured flight dataPlan and execute loads survey flight test programs in coordination with flight test engineers and structural analystsProcess, reduce, and quality-check large flight test datasets; identify anomalies and ensure data integrity across test campaignsBuild and maintain automated data pipelines and analysis tools to accelerate loads extraction, fatigue spectrum development, and design loads validationDevelop fatigue and loads spectra for powertrain and airframe components using flight-measured dataCompare flight test loads data against analytical models; drive model updates and structural dispositionsSupport stress and damage tolerance analysis of primary and secondary structure using test-derived loadsCompile test reports and loads documentation to support engineering drawing releases and FAA certification deliverablesProvide technical guidance on instrumentation strategy, sensor selection, and data quality trade-offs across programsWhat You Need5+ years of experience in flight test loads, structural test, or loads and dynamics engineering on aircraft, spacecraft, or advanced air mobility platformsBachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering field (M.S. preferred)Hands-on experience with flight test data acquisition systems — hardware configuration, sensor integration, signal conditioning, and telemetryProficiency developing loads equations and deriving structural loads from flight measurements (strain-gauge bridges, shear panels, accelerometers)Strong scripting and data analysis skills in Python and/or MATLAB, including automated data processing pipelines and visualizationExperience with loads and fatigue spectrum development from measured flight dataWorking knowledge of structural analysis methods — classical hand calculations and/or FEA — sufficient to interpret and validate loads resultsFamiliarity with fatigue and damage tolerance concepts (spectra development, AFGROW/NASGRO, NDE methods)Ability to manage multiple test campaigns simultaneously and communicate technical results clearly across disciplinesBonus QualificationsExperience with FAA certification under Part 23 or Part 27, including loads substantiation documentationExperience with RCAS, CAMRADII or similar rotorcraft comprehensive analysis.Proficiency with FEA codes such as Nastran, Optistruct, Ansys, or AbaqusFamiliarity with classical aerospace sizing references (Bruhn, Niu, Roark)Background in signal processing, filtering, or time-frequency analysis of structural response dataExperience with database tools or cloud data infrastructure for large-scale test data managementAt 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 $144,000 - $180,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.