Lead Engineer, Embedded

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 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.

Archer is looking for a Lead Engineer to join the AI Product Org. This role owns the embedded hardware side of a new device program end-to-end and works in close partnership with a software-focused technical lead who owns the application stack. This is a hands-on technical leader who can take a system from prototype to a shipped flight-relevant product whether by doing the design work directly or by directing external design vendors and keeping them honest.

What Youll Do:

• Develop and debug firmware/software on embedded Linux platforms (i.e. Raspberry Pi NVIDIA Jetson) integrating sensors radios and peripherals.
• Own PCB design end-to-end (schematic component selection layout bring-up) in-house or via vendors holding vendor deliverables to Archers quality cost and schedule bar.
• Own mechanical/enclosure design in 3D CAD including thermal and mounting for GPU-bearing hardware.
• Scope and technically review FPGA development as architecture requires in-house or vendor-led.
• Drive designs through DFM/DFT and production readiness with manufacturing and supply chain.
• Set technical direction for the hardware/firmware stack; mentor engineers on the team.
• Partner cross-functionally with software systems and program teams to integrate the device into Archers broader ecosystem.

What You Need:

• Hands-on experience with Raspberry Pi and other embedded systems platforms.
• Experience integrating RF subsystems (SDR receivers GNSS antennas) into embedded products.
• PCB design experience (schematic layout bring-up) or a proven record specifying directing and auditing vendor-executed board design.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD for mechanical/enclosure design.
• Has taken at least one embedded system from prototype through production.
• Strong vendor management: writing specs evaluating proposals/deliverables and holding external design partners accountable.
• Proficient with Multimeter and soldering Iron.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Full in-house design capability across the stack: schematic capture component selection
• Experience deploying GPU-accelerated edge compute (i.e. NVIDIA Jetson Orin family) including power and thermal integration.
• Background in aerospace robotics or other safety-critical embedded domains.
• Experience building and flying drones (quadcopter fixed-wing or other small UAS) including flight controllers radios and airframe integration.

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 Companys business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $150000 - $180000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge skills and experience.