Design Engineer - Avionics Integration

Location: San Jose, California, United States 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. As a Design Engineer - Avionics Integration, you will work on aircraft-level avionics systems integration within the Advanced Projects group. We are a small but diverse group of multi-disciplinary engineers responsible for the rapid development of future Archer aircraft concepts, taking them from idea to experimental flight testing on aggressive accelerated timelines. In this role, you will play a critical role in integrating and optimizing the avionics systems packaging throughout Archer’s future hybrid-electric aircraft platform.

What You’ll Do:

Design and Engineering
Develop and maintain CAD and drawings to document interfaces between avionics subsystems and airframe interfaces
Own and maintain avionics envelope CAD models and keep out zones to enable comprehensive vehicle package studies
Maintain avionics configuration management, tracking various pedigrees and versions of hardware
Assist in defining assembly processes and techniques and standardizing across the department
Collaborate with manufacturing team to ensure seamless aircraft integration processes
Analysis and Project Management
Maintain comprehensive mass budget tracking for all avionics subsystems, identifying risks and weight optimization opportunities
Conduct trade studies to optimize system integration, mass efficiency, and performance
Support test planning and validation activities for thrust unit assemblies
Analyze test data and implement design improvements based on findings
Collaboration
Work cross-functionally with sourcing and quality teams to support supplier selection, component qualification, and inspection requirements for integration components
Participate in design reviews and provide technical expertise for critical integration decisions
Drive improvements to existing processes and develop new procedures as needed

What You Need:

Education & Experience
Bachelor's Degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering, or related field
Experience with system-level integration and interface management
Experience generating Bills of Materials (BOM) and managing change control processes
Technical Expertise
Proficiency in CAD modeling (NX preferred), 2D drawings, tolerance analysis, and GD&T
Understanding of mass budgeting, configuration management, and systems integration
Knowledge of manufacturing processes for aerospace structural components including machining, joining methods, and composite manufacturing
Communication and Organization
Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional technical initiatives across multiple subsystem teams
Excellent documentation and communication skills for maintaining complex interface requirements
Capacity to manage multiple integration challenges and priorities simultaneously
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for resolving interface conflicts
Additional Requirements
Availability for domestic travel as needed
Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality in engineering practices

Bonus Qualifications:

Aerospace development and certification experience
Deep understanding of prototype development lifecycle and the unique requirements for experimental flight test vehicles
Familiarity with regulatory requirements and design practices for system separation (e.g., flight-critical vs. non-critical systems)
Demonstrated hands-on experience in a prototype environment through prior work or personal projects
Self-motivated with exceptional attention to detail and systems-thinking approach

Remote Work: Not mentioned; consistent with company policy employees are expected to report onsite at corporate headquarters in San Jose, CA. Employment Type: Not explicitly mentioned. Experience Level: Implied mid-level or higher due to required education (Bachelor's degree) plus experience with system-level integration. Salary Information: Not provided; there is a field asking "What are your base ($USD) expectations?" indicating salary expectations are requested during application but no specific salary or range is disclosed.