Lead Propulsion Systems Engineer – Special Programs

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. About the Role Special Programs is Archer's rapid-prototyping, cross-functional engineering team supporting advanced and defense-focused development efforts. We operate as a small, empowered group capable of moving quickly across disciplines — from early technical assessment of new opportunities through hands-on design, analysis, and prototype development. The Lead Special Programs Engineer – Propulsion Technologies & Integration brings deep propulsion engineering expertise as their organic core competency — including hybrid turbofan-electric and turbo-generator architectures — for prototype vehicles and systems. What You’ll Do Lead propulsion system design and analysis for prototype vehicles, including engine/motor sizing, performance modeling, BSFC and fuel-burn analysis, and propulsion-airframe integration Support rapid prototyping efforts end-to-end, from concept sizing through detailed design, bench/ground test, and flight test support Own the propulsion discipline within Special Programs — setting technical approach, standards, and analysis methods used across the program’s propulsion work Conduct technical feasibility assessments of new opportunities — evaluating whether emerging concepts, RFPs, or mission requirements are viable within your focus area and what approach they would require Serve as a cross-functional technical contributor across Special Programs efforts outside your core focus area when program needs require it Collaborate with program leads, other Special Programs engineers, and broader Archer engineering teams to align technical approaches with program timelines and constraints Produce technical documentation, trade studies, and analysis packages supporting both design maturity reviews and opportunity/capture decisions Represent Special Programs work in your focus area in internal reviews and, as needed, in discussions with government stakeholders What You’ll Need Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion Engineering (advanced degree a...