Principal Certification Engineer

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, Archer is a leader in the next-gen aerospace sector building an end-to-end advanced air mobility platform that delivers air taxis, unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”), aviation-related physical artificial intelligence (“AI”) solutions, and other technologies to customers worldwide across the commercial aerospace and defense sectors.

Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

Who we are

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers for 60 miles at speeds of up to 150 mph while producing minimal noise. Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

What you’ll do

As a member of our Certification team you will report to the Sr. Manager of Certification Engineering and help guide the certification efforts for our first certified aircraft. You are the certification subject matter expert aiding the certification effort through all phases of the type certification program.  

• Coordinate and support certification activities for the assigned Engineering teams 
• Establish compliance strategies for certification including methods of compliance to FAA regulations
• Work directly with the teams to establish relevant designs, development, and certification plans for Type Certification
• Act as liaison between the teams and FAA Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs)
• Communicate regulatory requirements in a clear and concise manner to the teams and other Archer teams to ensure all stakeholders understand the scope of compliance activities
• Ensure appropriate methods of compliance are selected and adhered to
• Lead the development, authoring, review, and execution of certification plans  
• Assist with planning and execution of development and certification test campaigns, including coordination of Conformity Inspections, DER witnessing, and test results documentation
• Review designs and documentation with DERs to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards
• Support meetings with regulatory authorities; prepare briefing materials, and ensure completion of action items
• Collaborate with other members of the certification team to develop integrated aircraft level planning

What you need

• BS/MS in Engineering or related degree
• 15+ years experience in certification in civil or military aircraft
• Previous experience with Part 23, 8110.4c, AC 20-107, AC 23-19 and other applicable regulations and guidance materials 
• Ability to interpret FAA regulations and guidance material and communicate requirements to internal and external stakeholders
• Experience in developing and executing certification plans
• Experience interacting and communicating directly with FAA
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Experience as an FAA DER
• Experience with ODA’s
• Experience with certification of electrical systems/mechanical systems/propulsion/ structures
• Experience with FAA Conformity 
• Experience with TSO approvals

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with eVTOL, powered-lift, or other special class aircraft development
• Experience with the Issue Paper process 

**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 $199,000 - $248,800. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

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.

Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.

Certain positions may be eligible for visa sponsorship.

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to [email protected]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.