Manager, Mechanical Actuator Development

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.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of design and mechanical system engineers to design and develop high-performance, flight-critical electromechanical actuation systems from concept through production; Own overall actuator mechanical design and integration of motors, geartrains, rolling-element screws, bearings, brakes, housings, sensors, and electronics; Perform trade studies to optimize system architecture and mass while meeting performance and fault-tolerance requirements; Create and review CAD models, drawings, and engineering specifications; Develop actuator-system and detailed component specifications and requirements; Build and maintain system-level models to validate actuator performance; Act as single point focal for custom actuation development; Work side-by-side with program manager to development and maintain milestone and schedule strategies; Develop strong relationships and work seamlessly with internal functional groups for custom motor, controller, and thermal designs; Partner with peer design owners including actuator controller, flight controls, GNC, power systems, airframe, and software to deliver an optimized integrated system for the aircraft; Drive cross-functional project teams, coordinating with manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and test engineering; Lead design reviews and provide technical expertise for key decisions; Lead by example through hands-on problem solving, engineering rigor, and accountability; Demonstrate best practices in documentation, testing, and design validation; Mentor and oversee junior engineers, fostering professional growth; Collaborate with systems, safety, and reliability teams to inform DFMEA and ensure requirements are fully validated and understood; Lead and oversee technical performance of partnerships and suppliers for varied levels of subassemblies and critical components

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or related field); 8+ years of experience in actuated mechanism or electromechanical system design; Strong communication and presentation skills at any level within the organization; Proven ability to take ownership of complex engineering problems through completion; Demonstrated initiative in seeking out critical information and driving technical closure; Experience in the majority of the following areas: GD&T for mechanical systems; Kinematic analysis and optimization; Design for 14 CFR Part 23 systems compliance; Structural analysis using hand calculations and finite-element methods; Materials selection, including alloys, heat treatments, allowables, and surface finishes; Siemens NX CAD and Simcenter or ANSYS FEA tools; Rolling element bearing selection and sizing; Involute gear tooth design and analysis; Ball and/or lead screw design and analysis; Structural analysis (static, modal, buckling, and fatigue)

Nice to have

Familiarity with PDM systems; Project or program management experience; Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, and/or LabVIEW; Hands-on experience in a machine shop or with mechanical assembly (professional or hobby); Experience with RTCA DO-160, structural, or actuator mechanism testing; Demonstrated interest in aviation, such as pilot training or license; Experience in requirements management tools in the context of aerospace development processes