Staff Program Manager, Powertrain

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: We are seeking an experienced Powertrain Program Manager to lead Electrical Systems & Propulsion development within Archer’s Program Management Office. You will drive the product through the full lifecycle—from initial design through rigorous testing, validation, and FAA certification—to qualify systems for serial production. This role requires a deep background in aerospace integration and a proven track record of managing complex, supplier-partnered technical programs Key Responsibilities: Develop & drive cross-functional program execution plan for the entire new product development lifecycle from design architecture to production launch. Take ownership and refine existing high level schedules for Line Replaceable Units (LRU’s) for Archer’s Electrical Systems & Propulsion product lines. Serve as the primary cross-functional interface, managing efforts across Design, Test, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Facilities to ensure a smooth and timely development prototype process. Own DV (Design Validation) & PV (Product Validation) Testing roadmap (V/MBSE Testing Method) for Electric Propulsion Systems. Drive a detailed test and qualification plan to ensure test execution on time. Own End-to-End readiness and launch of Testing Equipment. Participate in the (RfX) Process with the Supply Chain, Engineering, Real Estate and Finance team to ensure the timely deployment and qualification of equipment. Establish and manage testing program risk tracking and mitigation plan, driving timely risk burn down. Manage testing program budget (CapEx/OpEx). Develop and track testing program metrics and KPIs. Consolidate and clearly communicate testing program status, risks and progress to the leadership team. What You Need: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field 5 years of hardware engineering program management experience in aerospace/aviation or similar industries focused on New Product Development, Testing & Validation. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams through complex technical challenges and successfully navigate competing priorities. Extreme ownership mindset, Strong Project Management proficiency. Proven experience managing In-house Testing and external supplier collaborated Out-Sourced Testing Experience with electric and hybrid powertrain & propulsion technology including but not limited to high voltage battery packs, electric motors, turbogenerators, drive inverters, battery management systems, and ground support equipment. Experience with vehicle development programs (aircraft, automotive, or similar) Strong financial acumen, budget management and analytical abilities. A strong interest and willingness to be hands-on with product development and testing. Bonus Qualifications: Familiarity with aerospace certification standards (DO-160G, DO-254, DO-311A). Passion for sustainable aviation and electric propulsion technology. Experience bringing products to high volume production. Experience with FAA For-Credit Certification Testing Activities Experience with eVTOL or urban air mobility programs Experience with agile program management methodologies 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 $172,800 - $216,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by 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, Manteca , Staff Program Manager, Powertrain, Engineering , San Jose, California