Lead Powertrain (EPS) Manufacturing Technician

Lead Powertrain (EPS) Manufacturing Technician

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, Archer is a leader in the next-gen aerospace sector building an end-to-end advanced air mobility platform that delivers air taxis, unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS"), aviation-related physical artificial intelligence ("AI") solutions, and other technologies to customers worldwide across the commercial aerospace and defense sectors.

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.

As part of the mission at Archer, we're scaling production of our cutting-edge Electric Propulsion System (EPS) the heart of our eVTOL aircraft. EPS comprises the Electric Motor, Inverter and Propeller assemblies.

In this role, you will act as a pivotal technical contributor on the floor, bringing deep electromechanical assembly mastery to our electric engine lines. In this position, you will initially focus on day shift to build process mastery, establish cross-pod relationships, and gain hands-on familiarity with our build streams, with long-term potential to anchor and guide our expanding off-shift/swing operations as production scales.

What You'll Do:

• Execute Concurrent Build Streams: Assemble complex electric powertrain hardware with extreme precision and discipline across parallel workflowsincluding developmental builds, 1.0 production runs, and engine rework.
• Lead by Technical Example: Act as a go-to technical subject-matter expert on the floor; support peer onboarding, share best practices with technicians across pods (Rotor, Inverter, Propulsion), and help establish seamless cross-shift handoffs.
• Complex Electromechanical Assembly: Build, fit, and integrate electric propulsion components (inverters, stators, rotors, gearboxes) using precision manual tools, custom fixtures, and semi-automated equipment within cleanroom and controlled environments.
• Troubleshoot & Diagnose: Interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and CAD models to troubleshoot ambiguous build disruptions, isolate root causes, and execute critical rework procedures.
• Maintain Traceability & Process Integrity: Ensure absolute segregation and tracking of parts, lots, and build records to prevent cross-contamination between prototype and remanufactured hardware on a shared floor.
• Partner with Engineering: Collaborate closely with manufacturing and quality engineering to validate build documentation, assist with assembly tool bring-up, provide design-for-manufacturability feedback, and support process maturation.
• Quality Assurance & Metrology: Conduct detailed inspections and dimensional verification using precision metrology tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, torque analyzers) to maintain aerospace-grade standards.

What You Need:

• Education & Experience: An Associate's Degree (or equivalent industry experience) paired 5+ years of electromechanical manufacturing/assembly experience, including 3+ years directly focused on Electric Vehicle (EV) powertrains, electric motors, high-voltage battery systems, or complex electromechanical assemblies.
• Thriving in Ambiguity: Proven track record in NPI, R&D, prototype, or early-stage manufacturing environments where standard operating procedures are still evolving.
• Schematic Mastery: Strong proficiency reading and interpreting electrical wiring diagrams, schematics, engineering drawings, and GD&T specifications.
• Controlled Environment Experience: Familiarity working within cleanroom, clean-manufacturing, or ESD-controlled environments.
• Traceability & Organizational Discipline: Extreme attention to detail with proven ability to track components, document build deviations, and manage multi-configuration hardware.
• Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work standard daytime hours during initial onboarding and ramp-up, with flexibility to transition to swing/off-shift schedules as operational needs expand, including overtime as required.
• Workplace Safety: Solid understanding of 5S methodologies and strict adherence to electrical and industrial safety protocols (LOTO, Arc Flash awareness).

Bonus Qualifications:

• Active IPC certifications (IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, or J-STD-001).
• Hands-on experience with stator winding, rotor balancing, or inverter sub-assembly.
• Experience utilizing SAP, MES, or modern production/inventory tracking ERP systems.
• Prior experience mentoring technicians or serving as an informal trainer/lead in a fast-paced environment.

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.