Design Lead, Airframe

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Design Lead for our Airframe team. Accountable to the Airframe IPT Lead, the Design Lead will be responsible for the development and delivery of specific airframe hardware elements, providing technical oversight, supporting collaboration efforts, and managing execution of their assigned work package. This role will focus on a major subassembly of the airframe from concept through production, ensuring compliance with design, performance requirements, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Execution: Develop assigned airframe hardware elements from concept through to production, defining the technical approach for your work package, establishing design parameters, managing the development process, and resolving technical challenges within your scope.

Team Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate and coordinate with the IPT Lead and other Design Leads, as well as interfacing with other program teams (e.g., avionics, propulsion) to ensure seamless integration of your hardware element through regular meetings, status updates, and information sharing.

Requirements Management and Systems Engineering Support: Work closely with the IPT Lead and Systems Engineering team to ensure appropriate requirements are allocated to your hardware elements. This includes participating in requirements reviews, clarifying technical specifications, and ensuring traceability between system-level requirements and your work package design.

Task Planning and Execution: Break down work package objectives into actionable tasks, identifying specific activities, estimating effort and duration, coordinating resources, and developing detailed work plans to support the IPT Lead and Project Manager in effective project planning, execution, monitoring, and control.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in airframe design and development
• Strong first-principles approach to the design and implementation of efficient load paths
• Demonstrated experience contributing to technical projects and hardware development efforts
• Familiarity with aircraft certification processes (Part 23, Part 25, or Part 27)
• Understanding of composite airframe structures, materials, and manufacturing processes
• Proficiency with CAD software (NX Preferred)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field
• Experience with eVTOL, rotorcraft, or urban air mobility systems
• Knowledge of electric aircraft systems and integration challenges
• Experience supporting certification of novel aircraft configurations
• Previous experience working within an Integrated Product Team structure

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 [email protected]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.