Manager, Mechanical Actuator Development

About the role

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 develop 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

Skills

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)

Bonus Qualifications

• 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

Pay

For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $172,000 - $230,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.