Manufacturing Design Engineer

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.

At Archer, we’re scaling production of our High Voltage Electric Propulsion System — the heart of our eVTOL aircraft, which includes the High Voltage Battery, Electric Motor and Propeller assemblies and represents one of the most technically demanding, highly automated manufacturing systems in our factory.

We are seeking a deeply technical, hands-on Sr. Manufacturing Design Engineer to serve as the primary bridge between R&D product design and physical production execution. In this role, you will lead complex electric propulsion hardware (stators, rotors, housings, gearboxes) through its full evolution—from early-stage prototyping to repeatable, scalable mass production.

You will thrive in high-ownership environments, applying structured engineering principles to solve complex manufacturing challenges under tight schedules. Your primary focus will be establishing, validating, and optimizing production systems for the EPS across multiple aircraft programs.

What You’ll Do:

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Spearhead DFM/DFA initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams (Product Design, Quality, Facilities) to optimize electric powertrain system (EPS) manufacturability.
• NPI & Prototype Execution: Lead initial prototype build plans, execute process trials, develop custom tooling, and drive system builds through equipment qualification and production ramp-up.
• Automation & Tooling Specs: Define technical specifications for automation equipment, tools, and custom fixtures, managing vendor development through final Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT).
• Line Design & MBOM Development: Develop comprehensive build plans, including plant line layouts, optimized part flow, manufacturing methods, and accurate Manufacturing Bills of Materials (MBOM).
• Quality & Process Control: Conduct PFMEAs, establish validation/calibration protocols, and author standardized work instructions to ensure zero-defect assembly.
• OEE & Continuous Improvement: Monitor pilot line performance, drive Root Cause Corrective Actions (RCCA), and optimize cycle times for mass production readiness.

What You Need:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Electrical Engineering with 3–6+ years of hands-on experience (EV, Automotive, or Aerospace preferred).
• Hands-on Assembly: Direct experience building and troubleshooting mechanical and electronic assemblies using advanced automated manufacturing equipment.
• Technical Engineering Fundamentals: Proven expertise in Statistical Process Control (SPC), Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and drawing reviews.
• End-to-End NPI Execution: Demonstrated track record of scaling production lines from early prototype builds through high-volume mass production.
• Structured Problem Solving: Proficiency using formal methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, 8D, 5-Why) to resolve high-level equipment and process performance issues.
• Software Fluency: Daily working proficiency with CAD (e.g., NX, AutoCAD), PLM, MES, and ERP systems.
• Adaptability & Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, highly regulated, and dynamic environment.

Bonus Qualifications:

• eMotor & Drive Unit Expertise: Direct hands-on manufacturing experience with EV Drive Units (DU), specifically rotor, stator, or gearbox assembly processes.
• Industrial Automation: Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting industrial robotics, gantries, and PLCs.
• High Voltage Systems: Knowledge of high-voltage (HV) wiring, battery modules, and electric motor safety standards.
• Aerospace Compliance: Familiarity with eVTOL systems, aircraft configuration management, and airworthiness conformity processes.
• Maintenance & Reliability: Experience establishing Preventive/Predictive Maintenance programs and driving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) improvements.
• Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel up to 10% for vendor oversight and equipment integration.

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $126,700 - $158,400. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as 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.

Archer is committed to provide a safe workplace and a safe aircraft. This is a safety sensitive designated role. Employment in safety sensitive positions is contingent on successful passage of a background check and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screening.

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.