Aerodynamics Engineer, Modeling and Optimization

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:Perform low/mid/high fidelity aerodynamic simulations of Archer eVTOL aircraftDevelop linear/non-linear aerodynamic models to predict aircraft behavior and performance throughout the flight envelopeAnalyze experimental data (either from flight test or wind tunnel) to identify sources of model errors, validate, and improve aerodynamic models of the vehicleDevelop efficient methods to feed flight test data back into aerodynamic simulation models of various fidelity and complexityContribute to the development of Archer aerodynamic software stack, improving methods and workflowsCoordinate with other cross-functional teams and pilots for flight simulator aerodynamic modeling updates and issue resolutionWhat you need:BS / MS / PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related field2+ years of experience with BS, or 1+ years of experience with MS, or 1+ years of experience with PhD modeling rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL aerodynamics at full-vehicle levelStrong understanding of fundamentals of fixed-wing and rotorcraft aerodynamics, performance, stability & controlExperience in eVTOL and/or multicopter vehicle aerodynamics design and analysis, including 6 DoF vehicle trimming and trajectory optimizationExperience with gradient-based and gradient-free optimization techniquesExperience with surrogate modeling techniques (like Kriging methods) and statistical analysisExperience with experimental data processing and reduction techniquesProficiency in Python programmingExperience with software development, object-oriented, version control best practices, as well as Git, CICD, CondaExcellent work planning and issue resolution skillsStrong technical, written, and verbal communication skillsAbility to work in groups and individuallyExperience in a fast-paced design environmentBonus Qualifications:Experience with developing, training, and optimizing neural networks or other machine learning models in the context of aerodynamic modelingExperience with wind tunnel and flight test campaigns planning, execution, and data processing, ideally matured on rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL programWork experience with rotorcraft comprehensive analysis tools, such as RCAS or CAMRAD2Work experience with NASA Overflow and Fun3D CFD software, including meshingExperience utilizing high-performance computing (HPC) to parallelize workflowsFamiliarity with conventional airplane Part 23/25 or rotorcraft Part 27/29 certification basis and test methodsFamiliarity with ASTM standards for fixed wing and rotorcraftFamiliarity with Matlab/Simulink, and Fortran/C++ codingAt 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 $140,000 - $190,000. 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 us.fitly.work. 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 us.fitly.work. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.