Lab Architect

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.

Archer is looking for a Lab Architect to lead the design, development, and long-term evolution of our eVTOL integrated Lab ecosystem, including Iron Bird platforms, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments, and full-system simulation and test infrastructure. This role is a combination of long term vision and hands-on development, building the technical foundations of how our aircraft systems are tested—from early prototyping through FAA certification.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in building complex aerospace test labs, integrating real-time simulation environments, and guiding multidisciplinary teams through system integration and regulatory processes. In addition, this role will drive next-generation automation and AI-assisted workflows to enhance testing efficiency, and scalability.

What you'll do: 

• Architect the overall integrated lab ecosystem, including Iron Birds, HILs, and multiple system benches.


• Define the lab-wide simulation architecture, integrating aircraft systems and simulation models and associated HW into a cohesive real-time environment.


• Define the physical, electrical, networking, and computational infrastructure for labs


• Lead cross-functional design reviews for new test platforms or updates to existing platforms.


• Improve configuration management  and traceability aligned with certification needs.


• Collaborate with certification authorities during for-credit testing, audits, lab inspections, and test method reviews.


• Create a long-term roadmap to embed AI, ML, and automation into the lab ecosystem, including: automated  test execution, automated data pipelines, and results classification


• Provide technical mentorship and guide architectural decisions across all lab programs.


• Drive CI/CD, and DevOps best practices into labs

What you need:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.


• 15+ years experience building aerospace test labs.


• Expertise with real-time simulation environments ( dSPACE, NI VeriStand).


• Proficiency in C/C++/Python/Matlab/Simulink.


• Proven experience architecting complex test infrastructure (electrical, networking, computing, control interfaces).


• Strong understanding of aircraft system integration.


• Familiarity with FAA certification processes and standards (DO-178C, ARP4754A/4761).


• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional design teams and large-scale technical programs.


• Capable of setting long-term technical vision while remaining execution-focused.


• Excellent communication skills with ability to interface with all levels of the organization

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience specifically with eVTOL, or hybrid-electric aircraft.


• Background implementing AI/automation in engineering or test environments.


• Experience with Model-Based Design

At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that support the Company's strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $215,000 - $280,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by 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.

Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.

Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to [email protected]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.