Lead Structures Engineer – Special Programs

The Lead Special Programs Engineer – Structures Integration brings deep structural engineering expertise as their organic core competency — airframe structures, loads, and structural substantiation for prototype vehicles and systems.

What You’ll Do

• Lead structural design and analysis for prototype vehicles and systems, including airframe structures, loads (V-n diagrams, wing loads, fuselage loads, landing gear), and structural substantiation
• Support rapid prototyping efforts end-to-end, from concept sketches through detailed design, analysis, and test support
• Own the structural discipline within Special Programs — setting technical approach, standards, and analysis methods used across the program’s structural work
• Conduct technical feasibility assessments of new opportunities — evaluating whether emerging concepts, RFPs, or mission requirements are viable within your focus area and what approach they would require
• Serve as a cross-functional technical contributor across Special Programs efforts outside your core focus area when program needs require it
• Collaborate with program leads, other Special Programs engineers, and broader Archer engineering teams to align technical approaches with program timelines and constraints
• Produce technical documentation, trade studies, and analysis packages supporting both design maturity reviews and opportunity/capture decisions
• Represent Special Programs work in your focus area in internal reviews and, as needed, in discussions with government stakeholders

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering (advanced degree a plus)
• Demonstrated experience in aerospace structural design and analysis, including airframe structures and loads analysis
• Strong working knowledge of structural analysis tools and methods (finite element analysis, hand-calc methods, relevant industry standards)
• Demonstrated ability to work across the full development lifecycle — concept through prototype — in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment
• Experience or strong aptitude for evaluating technical feasibility of early-stage concepts, not just executing against defined requirements
• Comfort operating as a generalist when needed — willingness and ability to contribute outside your core focus area in support of program needs
• Ability to work independently with significant technical ownership and no direct-report support structure
• 8–12 years of relevant engineering experience (or equivalent demonstrated experience in rapid-prototyping / advanced-programs environments)
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee), as defined by ITAR/EAR
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

What Makes This Role Different

This isn’t a seat on Archer’s core structures team. Special Programs engineers are chosen for deep discipline expertise and the versatility to support wherever a program needs it — from early opportunity evaluation to hands-on prototype work across disciplines. You’ll have significant technical ownership and autonomy, working in a small team built to move fast on some of Archer’s most forward-looking defense efforts.

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 $138,200 - $190,100. Actual compensation offered will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.