Manager, Equipment Build

At Archer’s Production Realization Lab, we build the electromechanical infrastructure that makes flight possible—bringing everything from megawatt-scale dynamometers and complex electrical test stands to bespoke mechanical test equipment from concept to reality. The Equipment Build Manager leads this high-impact, hands-on organization, encompassing both our prototype fabrication shop and test equipment build team.

Responsibilities

Lead Shop Operations: Oversee day-to-day operations of a high-mix, low-rate prototype shop producing structural components, weldments, and complex sheet metal assemblies for rapid development aircraft programs; Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing team of fabricators and welders, providing hands-on technical guidance and performance coaching; Production Planning: Own job prioritization, capacity planning, and throughput to meet aggressive program schedules across multiple concurrent engineering requests; Standardize Workflows: Develop and maintain critical shop documentation, including work instructions, setup sheets, traveler documents, and inspection checklists; Quality & GD&T: Drive quality and first-article acceptance of fabricated parts through in-process inspection and strict adherence to engineering drawings and GD&T requirements; Culture of Safety: Ensure total shop safety compliance, leading a culture where safety and regulatory standards are completely non-negotiable; Manage Build Assembly: Lead a team of technicians executing the hands-on assembly, integration, and commissioning of custom mechanical test equipment (e.g., dynamometers, propulsion stands, structural rigs); Electromechanical Integration: Oversee the integration of complex mechanical assemblies, plumbing, wiring harnesses, sensors, and instrumentation into commission-ready test fixtures; Project Tracking: Monitor build status, material readiness, and open actions, communicating proactively with engineering and program teams to support realistic milestone planning; Cross-Functional DFM: Serve as the primary manufacturing voice in design reviews, providing early-stage DFM feedback on geometry, materials, and weld joints to improve producibility and reduce lead times; Collaborative Troubleshooting: Partner with propulsion, structures, and systems engineering teams to troubleshoot assembly issues and ensure built equipment meets functional and certification requirements; Compliance & Documentation: Advise on make-versus-buy decisions based on shop capability, and maintain accurate, audit-ready build records in support of AS9100 compliance

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent practical experience); 8+ years in a fabrication, manufacturing, or mechanical assembly environment within aerospace, defense, automotive, or advanced manufacturing; Proven track record of managing technicians, welders, or fabricators through complex mechanical builds in high-mix, quick-turn environments; Strong hands-on background in sheet metal fabrication (CNC press brake, laser/waterjet cutting) and structural welding (MIG/TIG); Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, weld symbols, GD&T callouts, and mechanical/electrical assembly documentation; Strong organizational skills to track parallel workstreams, manage material readiness, and proactively escalate schedule risks

Nice to have

Familiarity with plumbing, wiring harness installation, and sensor integration on test fixtures; Background working within AS9100 or FAA-regulated manufacturing environments; Experience programming CNC press brakes (Trumpf, AMADA, Bystronic) or using nesting software (ProNest, Sigmanest); Familiarity with SAP or similar ERP/MRP systems for material and work order tracking; Experience supporting eVTOL, UAV, or advanced air mobility programs