Manager, Mechanical Actuator Development

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, Archer is a leader in the next-gen aerospace sector building an end-to-end advanced air mobility platform that delivers air taxis, unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”), aviation-related physical artificial intelligence (“AI”) solutions, and other technologies to customers worldwide across the commercial aerospace and defense sectors.

Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

What You’ll Do

Design

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

Leadership

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

What You’ll Need

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)

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.

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 support the Company's strategy. 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.

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at people@archer.com . Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy .

Certain positions may be eligible for visa sponsorship.

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com . All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.