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.
We are seeking a seasoned Flight Test Program Manager to lead the planning, execution, and certification of our flight test campaigns. This role acts as the critical link between the design engineering teams, the flight operations crew, and regulatory authorities. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of flight test vehicles, ensuring that development and certification testing is conducted safely and efficiently. The position requires a deep understanding of flight test operations and advanced organization, communication, and time management skills..
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the planning and execution of flight test campaigns from initial ground runs and envelope expansion through final certification
- Serve as the primary interface between the Flight Test organization and Design Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams
- Develop, manage, and ensure compliance with flight test processes and procedures
- Oversee the configuration control of test vehicles, ensuring aircraft configuration and conformity align with specific test requirements
- Coordinate with the FAA and designated engineering representatives (DERs) to support Certification and Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) activities
- Manage external test site logistics, including remote deployments, hangar facilities, and airspace coordination
- Develop and maintain the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for all flight test vehicles and assets
- Manage program budgets for flight operations, including instrumentation, maintenance, telemetry infrastructure, and external range costs
- Track and report flight test KPIs, such as sortie rates, test points efficiency, and aircraft availability
- Lead daily stand-ups and weekly program reviews with cross-functional stakeholders
- Identify critical path risks and implement recovery plans to mitigate schedule slips during testing delays
- Facilitate communication between technical teams and executive leadership regarding test campaign progress, technical challenges, and shifting priorities
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in flight test operations or flight test program management
- Demonstrated experience with aircraft development programs (Part 23 or Part 25 certification preferred)
- Deep understanding of FAA regulations, specifically 14 CFR Part 21 and flight test risk management (e.g., FAA Order 4040.26B)
- Strong proficiency in scheduling tools (Microsoft Project, Primavera, or Smartsheet) and issue tracking (Jira)
- Experience managing complex logistics, including aircraft maintenance and remote site operations
- Master's degree in Flight Test Engineering or Business Administration
- Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School (TPS) short course or full curriculum
- Private Pilot License (PPL) or higher aviation certification
- Experience with eVTOL, fly-by-wire systems, or high-voltage electric propulsion testing
- Experience with telemetry control room operations and real-time monitoring tools
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in flight test operations or flight test program management
- Deep understanding of FAA regulations, specifically 14 CFR Part 21
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Project, Primavera, or Smartsheet
- Experience managing complex logistics including aircraft maintenance
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
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.
