Flight Test Engineer
Archer
- Location
- Onsite (Salinas, California)
- Compensation
- $96k - $120k/yr
- Employment
- Full-time
- Level
- Mid Level
About the Role
Archer is building the future of aerospace and defense with electric air taxis and autonomous aircraft. The Flight Test Engineer role involves preparing FAA certification plans, executing flight tests, and ensuring safety risk management for next-generation aviation systems.
Skills
Full job details
Archer is an aerospace and defense company headquartered in San Jose, California, building the aircraft and technology that will define the next era of flight. The company works across air taxis, UAS, AI and powertrain development — building real-world systems that combine software intelligence with physical hardware. That includes Midnight, Archer's all-electric air taxi; Halo, an autonomous vertical takeoff and landing aircraft built for both commercial and defense use; and ZEE, Archer's AI foundation model built specifically for aviation. We’re seeking exceptional engineers, operators and builders to join us on our mission to build the future of aerospace and defense.
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:
- Assist in the preparation of Development, Company, and FAA Certification Ground and Flight test plans
- Contribute to the preparation of test cards
- Interface with engineers, maintainers, technicians, and program management to accomplish test objectives safely and efficiently
- Contribute to the production of Company/Certification reports
- Prepare material in support of test readiness reviews
- Provide support for test events as a flight test engineer and/or test conductor on-board the aircraft and in the control room
- Participate in flight briefs and debriefs for test events
- Participate in test setup (flight line) activities
- Report and communicate test results to the Flight Test and Engineering teams
- Participate in all aspects of the Flight Test Safety Risk Management process
- Prepare test operating limitations and advisories in collaboration with the appropriate engineering disciplines
- Participate in safety review board (SRB) meetings
What you need:
- Bachelors or higher degree in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering from an ABET accredited institution
- Must be willing to travel 25% of the time within 100 miles of the SF Bay Area
- A collaborative attitude and a meticulous attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficient with data analysis tools, e.g. Matlab, Python, etc.
- Able to obtain and maintain a FAA Class 3 medical certificate issued through a FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)
Bonus Qualifications:
- FAA pilot certificate
- Hands-on experience with test assets in a lab or other environment
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 $96,300 - $120,400. 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 people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.