Aerospace & Defense E-3 Sponsorship Jobs in California

INTRODUCTION

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, Archer is a leader in the next-gen aerospace sector building an end-to-end advanced air mobility platform that delivers air taxis, unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS"), aviation-related physical artificial intelligence ("AI") solutions, and other technologies to customers worldwide across the commercial aerospace and defense sectors.

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.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are seeking a high-ownership Sr. Product Quality Engineer - Flight Test to join our Quality Engineering team on-site at our Salinas flight test operations center. In this role, you will be a key quality engineering contributor on the flight line, executing quality controls and ensuring our developmental aircraft, integrated systems, and flight hardware meet safety, operational, and regulatory airworthiness standards.

You will work hands-on alongside flight test crews, assembly engineers, and technicians to develop digital inspection plans, process non-conformances (MRB), perform root-cause investigations, and support FAA conformity inspections. This role requires an agile, technical engineer who thrives in high-ambiguity, fast-paced prototype environments where hardware and flight test operations evolve rapidly.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Flight Line Quality Execution: Serve as an embedded quality contributor for flight test operations, inspecting and dispositioning airframe components, avionics, wire harnesses, and integrated systems in a hanger/flight line setting.
• FAA & Conformity Support: Assist with hardware, documentation, and tooling preparation for company and FAA conformity inspections, performing AS19102 First Article Inspections (FAIs) and regulatory verification checks.
• Non-Conformance & MRB Disposition: Conduct Material Review Board (MRB) dispositions and apply Root Cause & Corrective Action (RCCA/CAPA) techniques to resolve technical defects on flight hardware.
• Inspection Planning: Develop and maintain electronic inspection plans within MES to ensure consistent verification across flight line operations and maintenance activities.
• Dimensional Verification: Apply ASME Y14.5 GD&T principles to review 2D drawings and 3D Model-Based Definitions (MBD), using metrology tools (FARO arms, surface plates, optical trackers) to verify physical hardware.
• Cross-Functional Bridge: Partner closely with Design, Aircraft Integration, and Test Operations to feed flight line learnings back into manufacturing and engineering design loops.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent technical experience) with 5+ years of hands-on quality or manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace or flight test environments.
• Flight Line Operational Depth: Direct, hands-on experience supporting active flight lines, flight test centers, or aircraft hanger operations.
• GD&T & Metrology Fundamentals: Applied working knowledge of ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and experience verifying complex physical assemblies against engineering models.
• Conformity & Quality Assurance: Proven experience with AS19102 First Article Inspections (FAI), MRB dispositioning, and FAA conformity inspection processes.
• Digital Ecosystems: Experience navigating PLM, MES, and ERP platforms (e.g., Teamcenter, SAP) to execute inspection plans and disposition non-conformances.
• Startup/Prototype Mindset: Demonstrated ability to work independently, solve complex technical problems with minimal guidance, and drive processes to completion in evolving, early-stage engineering programs.

BONUS QUALIFICATIONS:

• FAA Certifications: Valid FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license or exposure/credentials as an FAA Designee (DMAR, DAR, or DER).
• Domain Expertise: Experience with composite structural assembly, high-voltage battery systems, or complex aircraft wire harness integration.
• Advanced Quality Tools: Hands-on experience with APQP methodologies (AS9145), PFMEAs, Control Plans, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Industry Standards: Familiarity with AS9100, AS9102, AS9103, and AS6500 standards.
• Certifications: ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
• Industry Background: Exposure to electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL), urban air mobility (UAM), or prototype aircraft development programs.

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 $120,400 - $150,500. 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.

Certain positions may be eligible for visa sponsorship.

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.