Manager, Mechanical Actuator Development

Manager, Mechanical Actuator Development

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.

Archer is seeking an experienced Manager, Mechanical Actuator Development 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.

• 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, gear trains, 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

• 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)

• 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.