Staff Aerodynamics Engineer - Flight Test & Certification

2w2 weeks ago

Archer

San Jose, US · Full-time · $152,100 – $209,100

About this role

Archer is an aerospace company building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to advance sustainable air mobility. The aircraft carries four passengers while producing minimal noise through design, manufacturing, and operation. This role supports Subpart B Flight Characteristics and Performance certification via aerodynamic testing and analysis.

You will develop tools to analyze flight test data, establish parameter tolerances, and perform in-depth analysis comparing data to predictions across the flight envelope. Generate test reports with findings and recommendations while developing substantiation documentation for airworthiness compliance. Interface with FAA and DERs on airworthiness matters.

Collaborate with the Flight Test organization to plan and execute events validating aerodynamic models, vehicle performance, and requirements. Develop methods for aircraft fleet support including repairs, Configuration Deviation List, and Minimum Equipment List. Work in a fast-paced design environment tackling hard problems.

Diversity in the workplace drives better insights and lifts the team to success. The company cultivates an equitable and inclusive environment embracing differences. Support and celebrate all team members in pursuing high ambitions.

Requirements

BS / MS / PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
10+ years of experience with BS, or 8+ years of experience with MS, or 4+ years of experience with PhD in flight testing fixed-wing aircraft and/or rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL
Experience with accepted flight test techniques on fixed-wing aircraft and/or rotorcraft, tiltrotor (e.g., AC 27-1B, AC 29-2C, AC 23-8C, AC 25-7D, ASTM Standards, or ADS-33)
Demonstrated certification experience with 14 CFR Part 27, 29, 23 and/or 25 Subpart B for a new type design (strongly preferred) or amended/supplemental type design
Strong understanding of fixed-wing and rotorcraft aerodynamics, performance, and stability & control
Experience with flight test planning, instrumentation, execution, and data reduction techniques for design verification and certification purposes
Familiarity in Python programming (strongly preferred) or Matlab/Simulink programming coding experience

Responsibilities

Conduct aerodynamic testing and analysis in support of Subpart B Flight Characteristics and Performance certification
Develop tools to analyze and process flight test data
Establish flight test parameter tolerances and data quality metrics
Perform in-depth analysis of flight test data and compare with predictions, including data expansion across the entire flight envelope. Generate test reports to document findings and recommendations
Develop substantiation documentation for showing compliance with airworthiness criteria
Interface with the FAA and DERs related to airworthiness and compliance
Collaborate with the Flight Test organization to plan and execute flight test events to collect data to validate aerodynamic models as well as vehicle performance and requirements
Develop methods, processes and documentation for aircraft fleet support (e.g., assessment and guidance for repairs, Configuration Deviation List, Minimum Equipment List)

Benefits

Work on all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for sustainable air mobility
Dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment
Embraces differences and supports and celebrates all team members