Lead Structures Engineer – Special Programs
About the role
The Lead Special Programs Engineer – Structures Integration at Archer is responsible for leading structural design and analysis for prototype vehicles and systems, including airframe structures, loads, and structural substantiation. This role requires a deep understanding of aerospace structural design and analysis, as well as the ability to work across the full development lifecycle from concept through prototype.
Responsibilities
- Lead structural design and analysis for prototype vehicles and systems, including airframe structures, loads (V-n diagrams, wing loads, fuselage loads, landing gear), and structural substantiation
- Support rapid prototyping efforts end-to-end, from concept sketches through detailed design, analysis, and test support
- Own the structural discipline within Special Programs — setting technical approach, standards, and analysis methods used across the program’s structural work
- Conduct technical feasibility assessments of new opportunities — evaluating whether emerging concepts, RFPs, or mission requirements are viable within your focus area and what approach they would require
- Serve as a cross-functional technical contributor across Special Programs efforts outside your core focus area when program needs require it
- Collaborate with program leads, other Special Programs engineers, and broader Archer engineering teams to align technical approaches with program timelines and constraints
- Produce technical documentation, trade studies, and analysis packages supporting both design maturity reviews and opportunity/capture decisions
- Represent Special Programs work in your focus area in internal reviews and, as needed, in discussions with government stakeholders
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering (advanced degree a plus)
- Demonstrated experience in aerospace structural design and analysis, including airframe structures and loads analysis
- Strong working knowledge of structural analysis tools and methods (finite element analysis, hand-calc methods, relevant industry standards)
- Demonstrated ability to work across the full development lifecycle — concept through prototype — in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment
- Experience or strong aptitude for evaluating technical feasibility of early-stage concepts, not just executing against defined requirements
- Comfort operating as a generalist when needed — willingness and ability to contribute outside your core focus area in support of program needs
- Ability to work independently with significant technical ownership and no direct-report support structure
- 8–12 years of relevant engineering experience (or equivalent demonstrated experience in rapid-prototyping / advanced-programs environments)
Qualifications
- Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee)
Skills
- Technical expertise in aerospace structural design and analysis
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Benefits
Archer offers a competitive compensation package, including a base pay range of $138,200 - $190,100, with actual compensation determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Archer is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and provides reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.
Pay
$138,200 - $190,100
Schedule
N/A