Materials and Processes Engineer, Metallics

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Metallics Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead the development, qualification, and FAA certification of metallic materials, coatings, and surface finishes for our next-generation electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, certified under 14 CFR Part 23. This role is critical to ensure the safety, performance, and manufacturability of metallic structures and components across the vehicle. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in aerospace-grade metals, corrosion protection strategies, and surface engineering, along with a strong understanding of FAA certification requirements for metallic airframe components.

What you’ll do

• Serve as the technical lead for metallic materials and processes including aluminum, titanium, high-strength steel, and other aerospace-grade alloys.
• Provide technical guidance on surface finishes, protective coatings, and corrosion prevention strategies for metallic components.
• Specify and validate heat treatment processes to achieve desired mechanical properties and fatigue performance.
• Author and maintain material and process specifications, qualification plans, and test procedures.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and certification teams to ensure compliance with FAA Part 23 requirements.
• Support failure analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective actions related to materials and processes.
• Support supplier qualification and process audits for metallic parts and treatments.

What you’ll need

• Master’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in aerospace materials and processes.
• Strong working knowledge of surface treatments, heat treatments, and corrosion protection for aerospace metals.
• Familiarity with FAA regulations, ASTM standards, MIL specs, MMPDS handbook, and NADCAP requirements.
• Experience with material characterization, failure analysis, and process validation.
• Working knowledge of MMPDS statistical methodologies for Design Allowable Properties development, including A-basis/B-basis determinations, outlier analysis, and statistical treatment of material test data for aerospace structural applications.
• Strong communication and project management skills.
• Experience with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods such as ultrasonic, eddy current, radiographic, and dye penetrant inspection is a plus.

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 $151,680 - $189,600. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as 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 [email protected]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.