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.
Archer is looking for a Lead Engineer to join the AI Product Org. This role owns the embedded hardware side of a new device program end-to-end and works in close partnership with a software-focused technical lead who owns the application stack. This is a hands-on technical leader who can take a system from prototype to a shipped, flight-relevant product, whether by doing the design work directly or by directing external design vendors and keeping them honest.
What You'll Do:
- Develop and debug firmware/software on embedded Linux platforms (i.e. Raspberry Pi, NVIDIA Jetson), integrating sensors, radios, and peripherals.
- Own PCB design end-to-end (schematic, component selection, layout, bring-up) in-house or via vendors, holding vendor deliverables to Archer's quality, cost, and schedule bar.
- Own mechanical/enclosure design in 3D CAD, including thermal and mounting for GPU-bearing hardware.
- Scope and technically review FPGA development as architecture requires, in-house or vendor-led.
- Drive designs through DFM/DFT and production readiness with manufacturing and supply chain.
- Set technical direction for the hardware/firmware stack; mentor engineers on the team.
- Partner cross-functionally with software, systems, and program teams to integrate the device into Archer's broader ecosystem.
What You Need:
- Hands-on experience with Raspberry Pi and other embedded systems platforms.
- Experience integrating RF subsystems (SDR receivers, GNSS, antennas) into embedded products.
- PCB design experience (schematic, layout, bring-up), or a proven record specifying, directing, and auditing vendor-executed board design.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD for mechanical/enclosure design.
- Has taken at least one embedded system from prototype through production.
- Strong vendor management: writing specs, evaluating proposals/deliverables, and holding external design partners accountable.
Bonus Qualifications:
- Full in-house design capability across the stack: schematic capture, component selection,
- Experience deploying GPU-accelerated edge compute (i.e. NVIDIA Jetson Orin family), including power and thermal integration.
- Background in aerospace, robotics, or other safety-critical embedded domains.
- Experience building and flying drones (quadcopter, fixed-wing, or other small UAS), including flight controllers, radios, and airframe 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 $150,000 - $180,000. 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.Skills Required
- Hands-on experience with Raspberry Pi and other embedded systems platforms.
- Demonstrated PCB design experience including schematic capture, layout, and bring-up.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD tools for mechanical/enclosure design.
- Experience taking at least one embedded system from prototype through production.
- Ability to architect and lay out PCBs, including component selection and prototype bring-up/debug.
- Ability to produce 3D CAD models for enclosures, mounts, and mechanical integration.
- Background in aerospace, robotics, or other safety-critical embedded domains.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
