Archer Aviation Inc.

Lead Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer

Archer Aviation Inc.$182K — $228K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent
  • 7+ years of experience in EV or Aerospace manufacturing
  • Proven track record managing large-scale CapEx projects ($10M+)
  • Experience leading and developing multi-level engineering teams
  • Proficiency in NX/AutoCAD and PLM/MES systems
  • Strong foundation in GD&T, SPC, and structured problem-solving techniques
  • Ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced environments

Responsibilities

  • Build and mentor a high-performing engineering team
  • Own the full lifecycle of major CapEx projects
  • Serve as Subject Matter Expert for Battery/HVPS assembly or Electric Drive Units
  • Lead the transition from concept to high-volume manufacturing
  • Solve complex continuous improvement challenges to support production targets
  • Manage vendor relationships and internal stakeholders effectively

Benefits

  • Safety sensitive designated role with a focus on workplace safety
  • Commitment to a pay-for-performance culture
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in eVTOL aircraft production
  • Possibility of career growth in a fast-paced high-tech environment
  • Team-oriented culture fostering technical mentorship and development
Full Job Description
As part of the mission at Archer, we're scaling production of our cutting-edge Electric Propulsion System (EPS) - the heart of our eVTOL aircraft. EPS comprises the Electric Motor, Inverter and Propeller assemblies and represents one of the most technically demanding, highly automated manufacturing systems in our factory.

We're looking for a Lead Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer to bridge the gap between design and high-volume production. We are specifically seeking an expert in Battery/HVPS (High Voltage Power Supply) assemblies, though we are also eager to speak with leaders experienced in Electric Drive Units (EDU) or EPS systems. If you have a track record of scaling capacity through strategic CapEx and continuous improvement, we want you to help us build world-class hardware from the ground up.

What You'll Do:
  • Build & Mentor a High-Performing Team: Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary engineering squad, providing technical mentorship to a team ranging from Associate to Senior Engineers
  • Scale World-Class Infrastructure: Own the full lifecycle of major CapEx projects, from initial factory layout and equipment sourcing to final commissioning and handover
  • Drive Technical Excellence: Serve as the Subject Matter Expert for Battery/HVPS assembly or Electric Drive Units (EDU), overseeing complex processes such as stator manufacturing, gearbox assembly, and End-of-Line (EOL) testing
  • Bridge Design & Production: Lead the transition from concept to high-volume manufacturing, maintaining the agility to design production lines "at risk" while product specifications are still being finalized
  • Optimize for "Automotive Pulse": Thrive in a high-pressure, high-cadence environment where you'll solve complex continuous improvement challenges to support aggressive production targets
  • Strategic Resource Management: Manage vendor relationships and internal stakeholders to ensure capacity increases stay on track, on budget, and ahead of the technology curve.

What You Need:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent)
  • Powertrain Expertise: 7+ years of experience in EV or Aerospace manufacturing, with deep technical knowledge of Battery/HVPS assembly or Electric Drive Units (EDU) including stator, rotor, or gearbox production
  • CapEx Ownership: Proven track record of managing large-scale projects ($10M+), driving the entire lifecycle from equipment specification and commissioning to full-scale production handover.
  • Leadership & Mentorship: Experience leading and developing multi-level engineering teams (Associate to Senior), with the ability to foster technical growth in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment
  • Technical Agility: Ability to work "at risk," designing and de-risking complex production lines while product designs are still being finalized in a concurrent engineering cycle
  • Automation & Systems: Proficiency in NX/AutoCAD and PLM/MES systems, with hands-on experience in industrial automation (robotics, PLCs, gantries)
  • Operational Rigor: Strong foundation in GD&T, SPC, and structured problem-solving (DMAIC, 8D, or 5 Whys) to optimize OEE and develop predictive maintenance programs
  • High-Cadence Mindset: A "Tesla-speed" approach to manufacturing-thriving in high-pressure environments where you must translate complex technical challenges into clear, actionable results

Bonus Qualifications:
  • Specialized Testing: Direct experience with Dyno testing, high-voltage battery safety validation, or advanced EOL diagnostic systems
  • Industrial Automation Mastery: Expertise in programming or architecting high-speed automated assembly lines involving multi-axis robotics and vision systems
  • Regulatory & Quality Standards: Familiarity with aircraft conformity, configuration management, or IATF 16949/AS9100 quality frameworks
  • Advanced CAD/Sim: Expert-level proficiency in NX for factory layout and experience using simulation tools to model line throughput and bottlenecks

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $182,500 - $228,100. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

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.

About Archer Aviation Inc.

Archer Aviation is an American aerospace manufacturer that develops electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility. The company was founded in 2018 by Brett Adcock and Adam Goldstein. Archer Aviation is developing an eVTOL aircraft that can travel up to 60 miles at speeds of up to 150 mph. The aircraft is designed to be quiet, safe, and efficient, with zero emissions. The company has partnerships with United Airlines and Stellantis, and plans to launch its first aircraft in 2024.
Learn more about Archer Aviation Inc.
Market Cap
$403.1 million
Industry
NASDAQ

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