Airframe Design Lead, Wing

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:Lead the development of major structural airframe assemblies from preliminary design through certification, and manufacturing ramp upApply in depth understanding of load paths, design best practices, and hand calcs to design robust structural configurationsApply design for manufacturing concepts to create designs that are cost effective and easy to fabricate at rate. Preferred experience with composite sandwich construction and adhesive paste bondingDevelop company standards for composite and metallic part CAD models and drawingsWork closely with and mentor other engineers on the design, stress and M&P teamsProvide technical guidance on design concepts (risk vs. cost vs. performance)Support manufacturing to validate and verify that designs meet requirements and specificationsWhat you need:10+ years of experience with lightweight structures (aircraft, spacecraft, other high performance vehicles)Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering fieldAbility to design and analyze simple componentsA deep understanding of load paths and laminate design fundamentalsStrong CAD skills in Catia (preferred), NX, Solidworks, or CreoExperience with the design ofLarge bonded structuresSandwich constructionHand laid prepreg carbon fiber1Machined metalExperience with the manufacturing of composite partsKnowledge of FAA aircraft certification requirements for Part 23 aircraftFamiliarity with PDM systemsSelf-starter, team player, and desire to work in a fast-paced environmentBonus Qualifications:Experience with analyzing and dispositioning product non-conformancesExperience with the design of small passenger aircraft or helicoptersBroad experience across a range of airframe structures (fuselage, wing, pylons, empennage)Experience with composite laminate definition in FiberSimAt Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. For this position we are offering $172,800 - $216,000 per year.Archer is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status.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 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 All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.