Sr. Manager, Design Engineering Structures

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. The Airframe organization at Archer is responsible for the structural foundation of our eVTOL aircraft, encompassing the design and integration of all primary and secondary structures. Our team develops highly optimized, lightweight composite and metallic components, managing the complete structural lifecycle from clean-sheet conceptual layout and detailed modeling through rigorous testing, certification, and scalable production. By balancing aerodynamic requirements with structural integrity and practical manufacturability, we ensure the physical airframe meets the highest standards of safety and performance. What You’ll Do: Lead and mentor a team of ~20, focusing on recruitment, coaching, performance management, and career development. Architect the technical capability roadmap for the structures design group, identifying skill gaps and implementing educational initiatives. Champion a culture of innovation, safety, and technical excellence, ensuring alignment with program goals. Drive the development of advanced composite design concepts and innovative manufacturing processes. Evaluate and implement new materials, technologies, and design methodologies. Collaborate with external suppliers and partners to deliver composite solutions. Contribute to intellectual property development and patent applications. What You Need: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field Master's degree preferred 12+ years of experience in composite structures design and analysis 3+ years of management or team leadership experience Experience with aircraft certification processes (Part 23, Part 27, or Part 25) Expert knowledge of composite materials, design principles, and manufacturing processes Proficiency with CAD software (NX (Preferred), CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar) Advanced experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Nastran (Preferred), Abaqus, or similar) Knowledge of composite-specific analysis tools (Fibersim, HyperSizer, or similar) Understanding of laminate theory, failure criteria, and damage tolerance Experience with autoclave, RTM, prepreg, and other composite manufacturing processes Proven track record of leading high-performing engineering teams Strong written and verbal communication abilities Experience working i