About the RoleThe Director of Flight Software & Algorithms will lead the teams responsible for developing the core flight software, guidance/navigation/control (GNC) algorithms, autonomy capabilities, and safety-critical onboard systems that power Archer's aircraft. This leader will drive technical strategy, execution, and cross-functional alignment across software, avionics, systems engineering, and flight test.
This role requires deep technical expertise in flight-critical software and control algorithms, strong leadership experience, and the ability to scale high-performing engineering teams in a fast-paced environment.
What You'll Do- Lead and grow the Flight Software and Algorithms organization, including embedded software, GNC, autonomy, and simulation teams.
- Own the architecture, development, integration, and validation of all flight-critical and safety-critical software.
- Oversee development of real-time embedded software for flight computers, motor controllers, sensors, and avionics systems.
- Drive the design and implementation of GNC algorithms, state estimation, fault detection, and flight-control logic.
- Partner closely with Systems Engineering, Avionics, Flight Controls, and Flight Test to ensure seamless integration and aircraft-level performance.
- Establish software development processes aligned with DO-178C, ARP4754A, and other relevant certification standards.
- Define long-term technical strategy for autonomy, advanced control systems, and next-generation flight software architectures.
- Ensure robust simulation, modeling, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments to support rapid iteration and validation.
- Build a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Represent the organization in design reviews, certification discussions, and executive-level program updates.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
- 12+ years of experience in flight software, embedded systems, GNC, or autonomy for aerospace or robotics systems.
- 5+ years of engineering leadership experience managing managers and senior technical leaders.
- Proven experience delivering safety-critical or real-time embedded software for aircraft, spacecraft, or autonomous vehicles.
- Deep understanding of control theory, estimation, navigation, and flight-control algorithms.
- Strong familiarity with DO-178C, ARP4754A, and safety-critical development processes.
- Demonstrated ability to scale teams, set technical direction, and drive execution in a fast-moving environment.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with eVTOL, electric propulsion, or novel aircraft configurations.
- Background in autonomy, advanced perception, or AI-enabled control systems.
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing, simulation frameworks, and real-time operating systems (RTOS).
- Prior involvement in aircraft certification programs.
- Strong cross-functional leadership skills and ability to influence at all levels.
What We Look For- Passion for aviation and sustainable transportation.
- Ability to thrive in ambiguity and build structure where needed.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative leadership style
