Process Quality 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.

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

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.

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.

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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.