Overview In this role you lead Archer's Airframe team to design, develop, and certify advanced composite structures for an all electric eVTOL carrying four passengers. You will shape lightweight, safe, and producible structures in collaboration with product and supplier teams. You drive innovation in materials, design methods, and manufacturing processes while aligning with aviation certification standards. This is a hands-on leadership position at a mission-driven company accelerating sustainable air mobility.
Compensation / Benefits- competitive salary: $155,000 - $195,000 per year
- opportunity to contribute to eVTOL aerospace
- travel occasionally to suppliers/test facilities/regulatory meetings
- equal opportunity employer
- diverse and inclusive work environment
Responsibilities- Identify and recruit key roles for the Airframe team
- Provide guidance, coaching, and performance development
- Create career development plans and performance reviews
- Coordinate with product teams to align resources with program objectives
- Foster a culture of innovation, safety, and continuous improvement
- Drive advanced composite design concepts and manufacturing processes
- Evaluate new materials and design methodologies
- Collaborate with suppliers and partners on composite solutions
- Contribute to IP development and patent activity
Key requirements- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
- 10+ years in composite structures design and analysis
- 3+ years of management or team leadership experience
- Experience with aircraft certification processes (Part 23, Part 27, or Part 25)
- Expert knowledge of composite materials, design principles, and manufacturing processes
- Proficiency with CAD software (NX preferred; CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar)
- Advanced experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Nastran preferred, Abaqus, or similar)
- Knowledge of composite-specific analysis tools (Fibersim, HyperSizer, or similar)
- Understanding of laminate theory, failure criteria, and damage tolerance
- Experience with autoclave, RTM, prepreg, and other composite manufacturing processes
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Proven track record of leading high-performing teams
- Ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments
- Composite materials and design principles
- CAD (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks)
- FEA (ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus)
