Lead Engineer, Embedded
San Jose, CA, USA
USD 150k-180k / year
Posted on Jul 21, 2026
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.
Archer is looking for a Lead Engineer to join the AI Product Org. This role owns the embedded hardware side of a new device program end-to-end and works in close partnership with a software-focused technical lead who owns the application stack. This is a hands-on technical leader who can take a system from prototype to a shipped, flight-relevant product, whether by doing the design work directly or by directing external design vendors and keeping them honest.
What You'll Do:
- Develop and debug firmware/software on embedded Linux platforms (i.e. Raspberry Pi, NVIDIA Jetson), integrating sensors, radios, and peripherals.
- Own PCB design end-to-end (schematic, component selection, layout, bring-up) in-house or via vendors, holding vendor deliverables to Archer's quality, cost, and schedule bar.
- Own mechanical/enclosure design in 3D CAD, including thermal and mounting for GPU-bearing hardware.
- Scope and technically review FPGA development as architecture requires, in-house or vendor-led.
- Drive designs through DFM/DFT and production readiness with manufacturing and supply chain.
- Set technical direction for the hardware/firmware stack; mentor engineers on the team.
- Partner cross-functionally with software, systems, and program teams to integrate the device into Archer's broader ecosystem.
What You Need:
- Hands-on experience with Raspberry Pi and other embedded systems platforms.
- Experience integrating RF subsystems (SDR receivers, GNSS, antennas) into embedded products.
- PCB design experience (schematic, layout, bring-up), or a proven record specifying, directing, and auditing vendor-executed board design.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD for mechanical/enclosure design.
- Has taken at least one embedded system from prototype through production.
- Strong vendor management: writing specs, evaluating proposals/deliverables, and holding external design partners accountable.
Bonus Qualifications:
- Full in-house design capability across the stack: schematic capture, component selection,
- Experience deploying GPU-accelerated edge compute (i.e. NVIDIA Jetson Orin family), including power and thermal integration.
- Background in aerospace, robotics, or other safety-critical embedded domains.
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 $150,000 - $180,000. 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.
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