Vehicle Performance Engineer

Company: Archer
Location: San Jose
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

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: Perform vehicle-level trade study analysis Define and validate vehicle performance requirements Characterize the performance and capabilities of the aircraft. Conduct simulations to support Functional Hazard Analyses (FHAs) at a vehicle level. Analyze flight test data, identify sources of model error, and update vehicle physics models Support development of flight training devices and pilot-in-the-loop simulator physics models Work with internal and external suppliers to integrate their systems into our comprehensive vehicle simulations including vehicle dynamics, powertrain, actuation, sensors, and environmental modeling Support design and analysis activities to verify business and regulatory requirements will be met with high confidence Generate embedded aircraft performance models to incorporate into the aircraft flight manual, flight management system, and airline operations What you need: BS in an Engineering discipline required. MS or PhD in an Engineering discipline highly desirable 3 years of aerospace vehicle performance and simulation experience at a full-vehicle level Expert in modeling and numerical optimization techniques with an understanding of these in the context of aerodynamic vehicles High level of expertise with developing vehicle analysis tools and simulations in Python and MATLAB. Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills Experience in a fast-paced design environment Bonus Qualifications: Experience modeling and analyzing eVTOL aircraft and a deep understanding of the role of various aircraft subsystems including an electric powertrain. Familiar with FAA regulations relating to aircraft and rotorcraft certification Experience using simulation for certification credit Pilot’s license 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 - $164,200. 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 people@archer.com . 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 . Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time. 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 People@archer.com . All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.

Keywords: Archer, Milpitas , Vehicle Performance Engineer, Engineering , San Jose, California