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. 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.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; 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 in fast-paced, dynamic environments; Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams

Nice to have

Master's degree preferred; Experience with eVTOL, rotorcraft, or urban air mobility systems; Knowledge of electric aircraft systems and integration challenges; Experience with certification of novel aircraft configurations