The Role
Perform aerodynamic simulations and develop linear/non-linear models for Archer eVTOL across the flight envelope. Analyze flight test and wind-tunnel data, integrate experimental data into simulation models, improve aerodynamic software and workflows, and coordinate with cross-functional teams and pilots for simulator updates and issue resolution.
Summary Generated by Built In
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.
What you’ll do:
- Perform low/mid/high fidelity aerodynamic simulations of Archer eVTOL aircraft
- Develop linear/non-linear aerodynamic models to predict aircraft behavior and performance throughout the flight envelope
- Analyze experimental data (either from flight test or wind tunnel) to identify sources of model errors, validate, and improve aerodynamic models of the vehicle
- Develop efficient methods to feed flight test data back into aerodynamic simulation models of various fidelity and complexity
- Contribute to the development of Archer aerodynamic software stack, improving methods and workflows
- Coordinate with other cross-functional teams and pilots for flight simulator aerodynamic modeling updates and issue resolution
What you need:
- BS / MS / PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
- 2+ years of experience with BS, or 1+ years of experience with MS, or 1+ years of experience with PhD modeling rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL aerodynamics at full-vehicle level
- Strong understanding of fundamentals of fixed-wing and rotorcraft aerodynamics, performance, stability & control
- Experience in eVTOL and/or multicopter vehicle aerodynamics design and analysis, including 6 DoF vehicle trimming and trajectory optimization
- Experience with gradient-based and gradient-free optimization techniques
- Experience with surrogate modeling techniques (like Kriging methods) and statistical analysis
- Experience with experimental data processing and reduction techniques
- Proficiency in Python programming
- Experience with software development, object-oriented, version control best practices, as well as Git, CICD, Conda
- Excellent work planning and issue resolution skills
- Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work in groups and individually
- Experience in a fast-paced design environment
Bonus Qualifications:
- Experience with developing, training, and optimizing neural networks or other machine learning models in the context of aerodynamic modeling
- Experience with wind tunnel and flight test campaigns planning, execution, and data processing, ideally matured on rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL program
- Work experience with rotorcraft comprehensive analysis tools, such as RCAS or CAMRAD2
- Work experience with NASA Overflow and Fun3D CFD software, including meshing
- Experience utilizing high-performance computing (HPC) to parallelize workflows
- Familiarity with conventional airplane Part 23/25 or rotorcraft Part 27/29 certification basis and test methods
- Familiarity with ASTM standards for fixed wing and rotorcraft
- Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink, and Fortran/C++ coding
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.
Skills Required
- BS, MS, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field
- 2+ years with BS, or 1+ years with MS/PhD modeling rotorcraft, tiltrotor, or eVTOL aerodynamics at full-vehicle level
- Strong understanding of fixed-wing and rotorcraft aerodynamics, performance, stability and control
- Experience in eVTOL or multicopter vehicle aerodynamics design and analysis, including 6 DoF trimming and trajectory optimization
- Experience with gradient-based and gradient-free optimization techniques
- Experience with surrogate modeling techniques (e.g., Kriging) and statistical analysis
- Experience with experimental data processing and reduction techniques
- Proficiency in Python programming
- Experience with software development best practices, object-oriented design, version control, and Git
- Familiarity with CI/CD and Conda environment management
- Excellent work planning and issue resolution skills
- Strong technical written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work both in teams and independently
- Experience working in a fast-paced design environment
- Experience developing/training neural networks or ML models for aerodynamic modeling
- Experience with wind tunnel and flight test campaign planning, execution, and data processing
- Experience with rotorcraft comprehensive analysis tools such as RCAS or CAMRAD2
- Experience with NASA Overflow and Fun3D CFD software, including meshing
- Experience utilizing high-performance computing (HPC) to parallelize workflows
- Familiarity with Part 23/25 or Part 27/29 certification basis and test methods (conventional/rotorcraft)
- Familiarity with ASTM standards for fixed wing and rotorcraft
- Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink and Fortran or C++ coding
Archer Aviation Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Archer Aviation and has not been reviewed or approved by Archer Aviation.
-
Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical, dental, and vision, alongside HSA/FSA options and an Employee Assistance Program, forming a comprehensive base. Wellness activities and company-sponsored outings are additionally referenced.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes generous PTO, paid sick days, and paid holidays, with unlimited PTO noted for exempt employees. This breadth provides above-average flexibility for a hardware-focused environment.
-
Equity Value & Accessibility — Ownership opportunities include company equity, performance bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a purchase discount. Equity is used to keep packages competitive in high-demand roles, creating meaningful upside potential.
Archer Aviation Insights
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
Archer is an aerospace company building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft focused on improving mobility in cities. The company's mission is to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. Archer is designing, manufacturing, and operating a fully electric aircraft that can carry four passengers for 60 miles at speeds of up to 150mph while producing minimal noise. Archer's team is based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
