Full-Time
Manager Mechanical Actuator Development
Archer
1,001-5,000 employees
Designs and sells electric VTOL aircraft
Compensation Overview
$172k - $230k/yr
No H1B Sponsorship
San Jose, CA, USA
In Person
Bachelor's
 Engineering Management (1) |
|---|
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- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or related field)
- 8+ years of experience in actuated mechanism or electromechanical system design
- Strong communication and presentation skills at any level within the organization
- Proven ability to take ownership of complex engineering problems through completion
- Demonstrated initiative in seeking out critical information and driving technical closure
- Experience in the majority of the following areas: Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing for mechanical systems; Kinematic analysis and optimization; Design for 14 CFR Part 23 systems compliance; Structural analysis using hand calculations and finite-element methods; Materials selection, including alloys, heat treatments, allowables, and surface finishes; Siemens NX CAD and Simcenter or ANSYS Finite Element Analysis tools; Rolling element bearing selection and sizing; Involute gear tooth design and analysis; Ball and/or lead screw design and analysis; Structural analysis (static, modal, buckling, and fatigue)
- Lead a team of design and mechanical system engineers to design and develop high-performance, flight-critical electromechanical actuation systems from concept through production
- Own overall actuator mechanical design and integration of motors, geartrains, rolling-element screws, bearings, brakes, housings, sensors, and electronics
- Perform trade studies to optimize system architecture and mass while meeting performance and fault-tolerance requirements
- Create and review CAD models, drawings, and engineering specifications
- Develop actuator-system and detailed component specifications and requirements
- Build and maintain system-level models to validate actuator performance
- Act as single point focal for custom actuation development
- Work side-by-side with program manager to development and maintain milestone and schedule strategies
- Develop strong relationships and work seamlessly with internal functional groups for custom motor, controller, and thermal designs
- Partner with peer design owners including actuator controller, flight controls, GNC, power systems, airframe, and software to deliver an optimized integrated system for the aircraft
- Drive cross-functional project teams, coordinating with manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and test engineering
- Lead design reviews and provide technical expertise for key decisions
- Lead by example through hands-on problem solving, engineering rigor, and accountability
- Demonstrate best practices in documentation, testing, and design validation
- Mentor and oversee junior engineers, fostering professional growth
- Collaborate with systems, safety, and reliability teams to inform DFMEA and ensure requirements are fully validated and understood
- Lead and oversee technical performance of partnerships and suppliers for varied levels of subassemblies and critical components
- Familiarity with PDM systems
- Project or program management experience
- Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, and/or LabVIEW
- Hands-on experience in a machine shop or with mechanical assembly
- Experience with RTCA DO-160, structural, or actuator mechanism testing
- Demonstrated interest in aviation, such as pilot training or license
- Experience in requirements management tools in the context of aerospace development processes
Archer designs and develops electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban transport. Its eVTOLs use electric propulsion to take off and land vertically, enabling compact, city-friendly air mobility that can serve urban commuters and feed into air taxi networks. The company sells its aircraft directly and may in the future generate revenue from air taxi services or related operations, blending aircraft sales with service fees. Archer differentiates itself by focusing on the urban air mobility market and pursuing a direct-sales approach paired with potential operation services, aiming to partner with city planners and transportation networks to integrate eco-friendly, on-demand urban transport. The goal is to advance sustainable, city-centered air mobility and help cities reduce congestion and pollution by offering practical, electric aerial transit.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
San Jose, California
Founded
2020
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Archer ended Q2 2026 with $1.56 billion cash, funding certification and manufacturing.
- The White House eIPP targets initial U.S. operations in 2026, creating near-term revenue.
- Insitu adds over $200 million annual defense revenue, diversifying Archer beyond passenger air taxis.
What critics are saying
- Archer burned $156.4 million in operating cash during Q2 2026 and still loses money.
- Joby’s 2025 trade-secrets lawsuit and Archer’s February 2026 patent suit prolong costly litigation.
- If FAA Phase 4 stalls beyond 2026, Archer misses eIPP launches and LA28 delivery timelines.
What makes Archer unique
- Archer became first eVTOL company to close FAA Phase 3 in April 2026.
- Boeing will own 19.75% after the 2026 Wisk, Insitu, and SkyGrid deal closes.
- Midnight completed Salinas-Monterey flights on July 30, 2026, proving real city-to-city operations.
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Benefits
Performance Bonus
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↓ -2%1 year growth
↓ -2%2 year growth
↓ -2%Archer Aviation CEO Adam Goldstein projects confidence despite the company not yet generating meaningful revenue or achieving profitability. The eVTOL manufacturer expects to begin initial US operations later this year through the White House's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, with plans to showcase its Midnight electric aircraft at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Archer became the first eVTOL manufacturer to complete phase 3 of the FAA's four-phase type certification process. The company held approximately $1.56 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments at the end of Q2. Archer is acquiring Boeing's Wisk business, drone manufacturer Insitu, and airspace software company SkyGrid. The transaction adds Insitu's existing defence business, which generates over $200 million in annual revenue.
Archer Aviation has agreed to acquire three Boeing businesses — Wisk Aero, Insitu, and SkyGrid — in exchange for newly issued Archer stock. When the deal closes, Boeing will receive a 19.75% stake in Archer's Class A shares. The acquisition significantly bolsters Archer's defense business. Insitu, a military-drone company, generates over $200 million in annual revenue, compared to Archer's $300,000 in 2025. Wisk has completed more than 1,700 eVTOL flight tests, whilst SkyGrid provides air traffic management. The deal diversifies Archer beyond its urban air taxi ambitions, though it comes at the cost of shareholder dilution. Boeing also holds two warrants that could cause further dilution. Archer's shares initially surged 25% on the news before settling to a 13% gain.
Archer Aviation outlined plans to acquire Boeing's Wisk Aero, Insitu, and SkyGrid divisions during its Q2 earnings call, with Boeing taking a strategic equity stake. The deal is expected to close by year-end. CEO Adam Goldstein said Insitu generates over $200 million in annual revenue. Wisk would add autonomy capabilities, whilst SkyGrid complements Archer's aviation AI platform. Archer's Midnight aircraft remains in the fourth phase of FAA certification, with initial operations planned for later this year. The company has completed more than 150 piloted test flights. Archer's newer Halo and Thunder platform targets first flight in 2027 and customer deliveries by 2029. The company expects its AI products to generate revenue and reach profitability as early as 2027.
Archer Aviation will acquire Boeing's Wisk Aero, Insitu, and SkyGrid subsidiaries, adding a defence business with over $200 million in annual revenue operating in 35 countries. The stock rose 18% following the announcement. The acquisition brings drone hardware and autonomy software. Insitu has built more than 3,500 uncrewed aircraft systems for intelligence and surveillance, whilst Wisk has conducted over 1,700 flight tests of self-piloting eVTOL aircraft across six generations. SkyGrid contributes air-traffic-management software. Boeing will receive Archer shares representing approximately 19.75% of Class A stock, plus warrants covering roughly $100 million of shares exercisable at $13.00 and $17.88. Boeing retains access to Wisk's autonomous flight technology and gains a board seat. The transaction requires antitrust and national security clearance, with completion expected by year-end 2026.
Transaction creates an end-to-end physical AI platform for aerospace and defense. Adds a profitable defense business generating over $200M in annual revenue1,...