Sr. Manufacturing Design Engineer - eMotor

Sr. Manufacturing Design Engineer - eMotor

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.

We are seeking a deeply technical, hands-on Sr. Manufacturing Design Engineer to serve as the primary bridge between R&D product design and physical production execution. In this role, you will lead complex electric propulsion hardware (stators, rotors, housings, gearboxes) through its full evolution—from early-stage prototyping to repeatable, scalable mass production.

What You'll Do:

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM):
  Spearhead DFM/DFA initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams (Product Design, Quality, Facilities) to optimize electric powertrain system (EPS) manufacturability.
• NPI & Prototype Execution:
  Lead initial prototype build plans, execute process trials, develop custom tooling, and drive system builds through equipment qualification and production ramp-up.
• Automation & Tooling Specs:
  Define technical specifications for automation equipment, tools, and custom fixtures, managing vendor development through final Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT).
• Line Design & MBOM Development:
  Develop comprehensive build plans, including plant line layouts, optimized part flow, manufacturing methods, and accurate Manufacturing Bills of Materials (MBOM).
• Quality & Process Control:
  Conduct PFMEAs, establish validation/calibration protocols, and author standardized work instructions to ensure zero-defect assembly.
• OEE & Continuous Improvement:
  Monitor pilot line performance, drive Root Cause Corrective Actions (RCCA), and optimize cycle times for mass production readiness.

What You Need:

• Education & Experience:
  
  Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Electrical Engineering with 3–6+ years of hands-on experience (EV, Automotive, or Aerospace preferred).
• Hands-on Assembly:
  Direct experience building and troubleshooting mechanical and electronic assemblies using advanced automated manufacturing equipment.
• Technical Engineering Fundamentals:
  Proven expertise in Statistical Process Control (SPC), Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and drawing reviews.
• End-to-End NPI Execution:
  Demonstrated track record of scaling production lines from early prototype builds through high-volume mass production.
• Structured Problem Solving:
  Proficiency using formal methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, 8D, 5-Why) to resolve high-level equipment and process performance issues.
• Software Fluency:
  Daily working proficiency with CAD (e.g., NX, AutoCAD), PLM, MES, and ERP systems.
• Adaptability & Communication:
  Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, highly regulated, and dynamic environment.

Bonus

Qualifications:

• eMotor & Drive Unit Expertise:
  Direct hands-on manufacturing experience with EV Drive Units (DU), specifically rotor, stator, or gearbox assembly processes.
• Industrial Automation:
  Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting industrial robotics, gantries, and PLCs.
• High Voltage Systems:
  Knowledge of high-voltage (HV) wiring, battery modules, and electric motor safety standards.
• Aerospace Compliance:
  Familiarity with eVTOL systems, aircraft configuration management, and airworthiness conformity processes.
• Maintenance & Reliability:
  Experience establishing Preventive/Predictive Maintenance programs and driving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) improvements.
• Travel Flexibility:
  Willingness to travel up to 10% for vendor oversight and equipment integration.

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  Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Archer is committed to provide a safe workplace and a safe aircraft. This is a safety sensitive designated role. Employment in safety sensitive positions is contingent on successful passage of a background check and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screening.