Principal Engineer, Loads & Dynamics
Archer Aviation · San Jose, California, United States
- Metro
- SF Bay Area, CA
- Craft
- eVTOL
- Job Type
- Engineering
About the role
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:
- Own the development, documentation, and improvement of the airframe loads development process
- Collaborate with teams that interface with loads (aerodynamics, airframe, engine, mass properties, mechanical systems, propeller, etc.)
- Responsible for providing static and fatigue loads that are directly consumable by all downstream users (airframe, engine, mechanical systems, propeller, etc.)
- Responsible for providing clear documentation of loads assumptions and methods to generate traceable and repeatable analyses.
- Support wind tunnel and flight test planning and execution in the areas of external airframe loads, propeller loads, aeroelasticity, and aeromechanics, including test plan development, instrumentation and data acquisition definition, test monitoring and execution, data analysis and interpretation, and test report writing.
- Participate in loads means and methods of compliance discussions with the FAA
- Support preparation of certification test plans
What you need:
- BS / MS in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
- 10+ years of experience developing processes for loads analysis and downselection for air vehicles
- Working knowledge of structural analysis and test, including a fundamental understanding of strength, stability and fatigue failure mechanisms
- Proficiency in Python and/or Matlab scripting
- Familiarity with software development best practices and version control
- Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work in groups and individually
- Experience in a fast-paced design environment
Bonus Qualifications:
- Knowledge of aircraft, rotorcraft, and propeller certification standards (14 CFR Parts 23, 27, and 35)
- Experience with structural dynamics, rotor dynamics, and vibratory loads
- Experience developing FE models (NASTRAN or similar structural solvers) Experience with rotorcraft comprehensive simulation tools (such as RCAS or CAMRAD)
- Experience with fixed-wing and rotorcraft aerodynamics, structures, flight dynamics, and vehicle performance
- Experience in developing loads for eVTOL vehicles and/or tiltrotors, including loads for airframe components, tilting mechanisms, and propeller blades.
- CAD (NX preferred)
- Pilot’s license
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 $248,000.00 - $311,000.00. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.