THE ROLEAs Powertrain Architect, you will evaluate and size the hybrid-electric propulsion system for a next-generation eVTOL - spanning combustion engine selection, electromagnetic sizing, thermal management, and battery behavior - and contribute the resulting models into Archer's broader vehicle-level sizing and optimization stack. You will work closely with the Vehicle and Structures Architects to close the powertrain within the overall vehicle concept.
WHAT YOU'LL DO- Evaluate and trade hybrid-electric powertrain architectures (series, parallel, turbo-electric), integrating battery energy storage and electric motors/inverters, with a turboshaft-driven generator as one of the configurations considered.
- Size electric motors and generators from first principles, validating and refining designs with electromagnetic solvers as needed.
- Size the thermal management system architecture - heat exchangers, ducting, and coolant line routing - for all major powertrain components, using thermal/CFD tools as needed.
- Generate performance and efficiency maps for electric motors and generators across the operating envelope.
- Model battery charge and discharge behavior (C-rates, thermal behavior, degradation) to inform sizing and duty-cycle decisions.
- Estimate thermal limits and duty cycles for motors, inverters, and batteries across representative mission profiles.
- Build powertrain models suitable for integration into Archer's larger vehicle-level MDO stack, supporting the vehicle-level sizing and performance predictions led by the Vehicle Architect.
- Collaborate with the structures and vehicle architects on packaging, weight, and integration of the full powertrain stack.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED- Background in hybrid-electric, turbo-electric, or conventional turbine aircraft propulsion (aerospace or adjacent high-power industries).
- Some background in optimization, including multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO), is necessary.
- Experience in at least two of the following three areas is required: electromagnetic sizing of motors/generators; thermal management system sizing; battery modeling (equivalent-circuit or electrochemical).
- Proficiency with electromagnetic design tools such as ANSYS Maxwell, Motor-CAD, JMAG, or similar is desired.
- Proficiency with thermal/CFD design tools such as ANSYS Icepak, Fluent, or similar is desired.
- Strong Python proficiency for powertrain modeling and trade studies is strongly preferred.
- Turboshaft/turbine integration experience is desired.
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 $172,800 - $237,600. Actual compensation offered will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
