Similar Jobs
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.
What You’ll Do:
We are seeking an experienced Principal Program Manager to lead our air vehicle program within Archer's Program Management Office. This role will be responsible for managing air vehicle systems including airframe, landing gear, environmental control systems, and interior cabin design, integration, and production. The position requires a deep understanding of aviation/aerospace programs and experience with mechanical air vehicle systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and oversee multiple airframe development programs from concept through certification and production
- Manage cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality
- Develop and maintain program schedules, budgets, and risk management plans
- Drive technical decisions and trade studies related to airframe design and manufacturing
- Coordinate with certification authorities regarding compliance and documentation
- Oversee supplier relationships and contracts for air vehicle components
- Ensure alignment between program objectives and overall company strategy
Technical Leadership:
- Guide composite material selection and manufacturing processes
- Oversee airframe integration with other aircraft systems
- Lead technical reviews and design validation activities
- Manage weight targets and structural performance requirements
- Drive manufacturing optimization and cost reduction initiatives
Program Management:
- Develop and track program metrics and KPIs
- Manage program budgets and resource allocation
- Create and maintain program documentation and reporting
- Lead stakeholder communications and status updates
- Identify and mitigate program risks
What You Need:
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 10+ years of program management experience in aerospace/aviation industry
- Proven experience managing composite airframe programs
- Experience with vehicle development programs (aircraft, automotive, or similar)
- Knowledge of quality standards and processes
- Strong project management software proficiency
- Excellence in stakeholder management
- Advanced problem-solving and analytical abilities
- Strong financial acumen and budget management
- Expert-level presentation and communication skills
- Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams
Bonus Qualifications:
- Master's degree in relevant field
- PMP certification preferred
- Strong understanding of aircraft structures and certification requirements
- Experience with eVTOL or urban air mobility programs
- Background in composite materials and manufacturing processes
- Experience with FAA certification processes
- Knowledge of aircraft systems integration
- Experience with agile program management methodologies
- Experience in traditional aircraft/vehicular systems including landing gear, environmental control systems, or cabin systems
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 $224,000 - $280,000. 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.Archer Aviation San Francisco, California, USA Office
San Francisco, CA, United States
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
