About the RoleSpecial 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 - Autonomy Integration brings deep autonomy engineering expertise as their organic core competency - the perception, planning, and autonomy-stack software that lets prototype vehicles operate with reduced human intervention.
What You'll Do- Lead autonomy stack design and development for prototype vehicles, including perception, planning, and autonomy software architecture
- Support rapid prototyping efforts end-to-end, from concept algorithms and simulation through hardware-in-the-loop test and flight test support
- Own the autonomy discipline within Special Programs - setting technical approach, standards, and development methods used across the program's autonomy 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 Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace, or a related field (advanced degree a plus)
- Demonstrated experience developing autonomy software - perception, planning, or decision-making stacks - for aerospace, robotics, or defense platforms
- Familiarity with relevant autonomy frameworks, simulation environments, and flight test support for autonomous systems
- Demonstrated ability to work across the full development lifecycle - concept through prototype - in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment
- Experience or strong aptitude for evaluating technical feasibility of early-stage concepts, not just executing against defined requirements
- Comfort operating as a generalist when needed - willingness and ability to contribute outside your core focus area in support of program needs
- Ability to work independently with significant technical ownership and no direct-report support structure
- 8-12 years of relevant engineering experience (or equivalent demonstrated experience in rapid-prototyping / advanced-programs environments)
- Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee), as defined by ITAR/EAR
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
What Makes This Role DifferentThis isn't a seat on Archer's core autonomy team. Special Programs engineers are chosen for deep discipline expertise and the versatility to support wherever a program needs it - from early opportunity evaluation to hands-on prototype work across disciplines. You'll have significant technical ownership and autonomy, working in a small team built to move fast on some of Archer's most forward-looking defense efforts.
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 supports the Company's strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $138,200 - $190,100. Actual compensation offered will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
