Staff Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer

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.

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.

About The Role

As part of the mission at Archer, we’re scaling production of our cutting-edge Electric Propulsion System (EPS) — the heart of our eVTOL aircraft. EPS comprises the Electric Motor, Inverter and Propeller assemblies and represents one of the most technically demanding, highly automated manufacturing systems in our factory.

We’re looking for a Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer who is experienced with electric motors and its integration into the higher level assembly and is passionate about bridging design and production — someone who thrives on creating scalable manufacturing systems, optimizing complex processes, and building world-class hardware from the ground up.

What You’ll Do:

• Contribute to the design and scaling of Archer’s Electric Propulsion System production line — from concept to high-rate manufacturing — including layout, automation strategy, tooling, and ramp-up planning.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Design, Quality, Facilities, and Manufacturing teams to bring new electric motor and propeller systems into production.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) efforts to ensure products are built efficiently, safely, and at scale.
• Develop and execute comprehensive manufacturing build plans — defining part flow, line layout, tools, equipment, and the manufacturing bill of materials (MBOM).
• Specify and validate automation systems, tooling, and test equipment to support high-reliability production.
• Perform PFMEA (Process Failure Mode & Effects Analysis) to proactively identify and mitigate risk in the production system.
• Author and approve detailed work instructions for EPS assembly and installation.
• Support first article builds and production validation testing to ensure process stability and repeatability.
• Drive continuous improvement through Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent).
• 7+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing engineering — preferably in EV, aerospace, or advanced hardware production.
• Experience building mechanical and electronic assemblies using sophisticated manufacturing tools and equipment.
• Hands-on experience with one of the following:
  • Thrust Assembly (or EPS) classified as the completed unit, integrating the electric engine with the propeller and miscellaneous parts.
  • Inverter production: sensitive electronic device assembly.
  • Rotor/stator/engine production: heavy machinery and pressing operations.
• Knowledge of CAD, PLM, MES, and ERP systems.
• Strong foundation in GD&T and statistical process control (SPC).
• Demonstrated ability to use structured problem-solving tools such as DMAIC, 8D, or 5 Whys.
• Well-developed communication and documentation skills — able to translate complex technical challenges into clear actions.
• Self-starter attitude with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.

Bonus Points:

• Experience with EV Drive Unit (DU) manufacturing
• Background in industrial automation (PLC, robotics, gantries).
• Familiarity with high-voltage systems, batteries, or electric motors.
• Knowledge of aircraft conformity or configuration management.
• Experience with NX and AutoCAD.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.

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 $152,100 - $190,100. 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 [email protected]. 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.

Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.

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 [email protected]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.