Senior Manufacturing Test Engineer

Location: Santa Clara, California, United States

Department: Manufacturing Design Engineering

About the role:

This role sits within Manufacturing Engineering and is responsible for aircraft-level functional and end-of-line testing as each vehicle is manufactured. You will help ensure each aircraft meets required performance, integration, and system-level standards before delivery or progression into flight testing.

You’ll focus on validating that each individual build behaves as intended—verifying systems, software, electrical behavior, and overall functional readiness—while supporting the transition from prototype to production.

What you’ll do: 

• Support the development and execution of functional test strategies for aircraft systems across manufacturing, from prototype builds through early production
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Design Engineering, Quality, and Flight Test to define test requirements and ensure adequate system coverage
• Develop and implement automated test solutions to improve quality, repeatability, and throughput
• Execute functional testing in lab environments and on-aircraft, supporting fast-paced build and integration cycles
• Analyze test data to identify trends, failures, and opportunities for process improvement
• Perform root-cause analysis and drive corrective actions in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Interpret electrical and system schematics to troubleshoot integration and functional issues
• Contribute to the development of scalable test processes, documentation, and standard work
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations and aerospace quality standards throughout testing activities

What you need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering (or related field)
• 4+ years of experience in aerospace or complex system test, manufacturing engineering, or integration environments
• Hands-on experience with functional testing of electrical and software-integrated systems
• Proficiency with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and aviation-specific test systems
• Experience with data analysis and scripting (Python or similar) for test automation and troubleshooting
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and system schematics
• Strong root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with FAA regulations (Part 21, Part 145) and aerospace standards such as DO-178C, DO-254, and AS9100
• Experience supporting prototype builds and transitioning into production environments
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams
• High attention to detail in safety-critical environments

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience supporting type certification, STC, or PMA processes
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles
• Exposure to automated manufacturing systems and advanced test infrastructure
• Experience working in fast-paced or rapidly evolving production environments (e.g., eVTOL, aerospace startups)
• Leadership or mentorship experience guiding junior engineers or technicians

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 $126,700-$158,400. 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.

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.