Actuator Lead

Company: Archer
Location: San Jose
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

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. Archer is seeking an experienced Actuator Mechanical Development Manager to lead the design, integration, and validation of high-performance electromechanical actuators for flight-critical applications. This role requires a deep understanding of actuator system architecture, dynamic modeling, and performance analysis, as well as multidisciplinary integration across electrical, controls, and thermal domains. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader with a strong foundation in mechanism design, high-reliability mechanical systems, and aerospace qualification processes—capable of driving concepts from requirements definition through flight-ready hardware on an aggressive schedule. What You’ll Do Design 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 Leadership 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 What You’ll Need 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: GD&T 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 FEA 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) Bonus Qualifications 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 (professional or hobby) 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. At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that support the Company's strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $172,000 - $230,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by 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. Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy . Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time. Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com . All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.

Keywords: Archer, Petaluma , Actuator Lead, Engineering , San Jose, California