Battery 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 designing, building, and scaling battery modules and packs from prototype to full-scale production.

We're looking for a Senior or Staff Battery Manufacturing Engineer who is passionate about hands-on engineering, process excellence, and cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of battery manufacturing lines at Archer facilities.
• Define build sequences, process flows, cycle times, layouts, and manufacturability solutions.
• Support PFMEA and other risk analysis activities to ensure robust, safe, and reliable manufacturing processes.
• Develop equipment specifications and partner with suppliers through RFQ, PO, FAT/SAT, installation, and validation to achieve SOP readiness.
• Prepare budgets, project schedules, and financial justifications for leadership review.
• Create and execute Factory Acceptance Testing plans, overseeing testing through line development and launch.
• Drive process control initiatives, focusing on quality, equipment capability, and overall efficiency.
• Review and resolve quality notifications, participate in Material Review Boards, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain and optimize MES configurations, shop floor routings, process parameters, and data collection protocols.
• Serve as a technical generalist on production lines, providing troubleshooting support during equipment downtime or process deviations.
• Identify and lead continuous improvement programs, optimizing product flow, line efficiency, and ergonomics using 5S methodology.
• Establish KPIs, track performance trends, and proactively mitigate operational risks.

What You Need:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field
• 3+ years of hands-on manufacturing experience, ideally in EV battery module/pack production.
• Proven experience scaling from prototypes to high-volume production.
• Track record in OEE improvement, preventative/predictive maintenance, and process optimization.
• Strong knowledge of statistical process control, GD&T, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (Minitab, JMP, Python, or equivalent).
• Experience in root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) and failure analysis.
• Familiarity with safety standards (ANSI/RIA 15.06, OSHA).
• Experience with CAD, PLM, MES, and ERP systems.
• Understanding of PLCs, robotics, motion control, vision systems, and human-machine safety devices.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with thermoplastic part joining (e.g., ultrasonic welding).
• Knowledge of aviation battery certification (DO-311A, DO-160, RTCA).
• Experience with airworthiness, aviation-grade traceability, and configuration management.
• Familiarity with FAR 23, Part 21, and FAA production certification requirements.

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 $125,430 - $166,800. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

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.

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.