Staff Process Quality Engineer
The opportunity
The opportunity
As a Staff Process Engineer focused on Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Quality Management System (QMS) activities, you will play a critical role in advancing Archer's Manufacturing Quality and Production readiness for our aircraft. Operating at the intersection of APQP requirements and QMS compliance, you will lead process development and risk mitigation activities that ensure our manufacturing processes meet the highest standards of quality, reliability, and regulatory compliance. You will be instrumental in shaping the quality infrastructure as Archer transitions from development into full-scale production certification.
What you’ll do
- Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities per AS9145 to ensure manufacturing processes are robust, capable, and production-ready, from concept through production launch.
- Develop, own, and continuously improve Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) for new and existing manufacturing processes, driving risk reduction and process robustness.
- Drive Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities including Control Plans, Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and Process Capability studies.
- Author and maintain QMS procedures, work instructions, and quality records supporting AS9100 compliance and FAA 14 CFR Part 21 regulatory requirements.
- Conduct process risk assessments, reliability audits, and APQP gate reviews to identify potential failure modes and recommend preventive and corrective actions.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to integrate APQP deliverables into production processes from the start.
- Lead Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations for process failures and nonconformances, driving systemic resolution and recurrence prevention.
- Apply Statistical Process Control (SPC), Six Sigma, and Lean manufacturing methodologies to optimize process parameters, reduce variability, and improve product consistency.
- Define process KPIs and contribute to real-time monitoring dashboards to track process health and performance for leadership visibility.
- Provide preventive and predictive maintenance planning guidance for key manufacturing equipment in collaboration with maintenance teams.
- Train and mentor junior engineers and technical staff on APQP methodology, PFMEA, QMS best practices
Pay
At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $152,100 - $190,000 Actual compensation offered will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
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.
Qualifications
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in Quality Assurance/QC, preferably in aerospace or similar high-reliability industries.
- Experience with APQP, PFMEA, PPAP, and QMS systems.
- Strong understanding of statistical process control (SPC), Six Sigma, and Lean manufacturing principles.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Benefits
Benefits
- Diverse and inclusive workplace culture
- Competitive base salary with potential for bonus and equity
- Flexible work schedule
- Health insurance coverage
- Retirement savings plan
- Professional development opportunities
Schedule
Schedule
- Full-time