Flight Test Instrumentation Technician
Operations
Salinas, CA, USA
USD 83,700-104,600 / year
Posted on Sep 16, 2026
Archer is an aerospace and defense company headquartered in San Jose, California, building the aircraft and technology that will define the next era of flight. The company works across air taxis, UAS, AI and powertrain development — building real-world systems that combine software intelligence with physical hardware. That includes Midnight, Archer's all-electric air taxi; Halo, an autonomous vertical takeoff and landing aircraft built for both commercial and defense use; and ZEE, Archer's AI foundation model built specifically for aviation. We’re seeking exceptional engineers, operators and builders to join us on our mission to build the future of aerospace and defense.
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:
- Install, test and support aircraft flight test instrumentation systems to meet Archer requirements.
- Build and maintain a fly-by-wire aircraft according to aviation standards using shop and calibrated tooling including torque wrenches, crimping and stripping tools
- Perform developmental, experimental and production aircraft maintenance, repair, modification, installation, and testing tasks; taking direction from others as needed
- Help create and carry out Flight Test Instrumentation policies and procedures including 5s, FOD, work orders, tool control, etc
- Build and install: Harness assemblies, Strain Gauges, DAQ systems, accelerometers, and other sensor parameters
- Provide plans and status updates back to the Flight Test Instrumentation Technician supervisor and Program Management on assigned projects
- Maintain good recordkeeping of all work performed
- Ensure calibration of test equipment and tools
- Ensure that products, parts, supplies, and consumables are adequately stocked to meet Installation requirements
- Work from a variety of technical materials such as blueprints, schematics, handbooks, drawings, and engineering work orders providing feedback as required
- Meet scheduled timelines and, in some cases, aggressive deadlines to have aircraft flight ready for project milestones
- Assume any duties delegated
What You Need:
- NCATT AET or A&P Preferred
- 10+ years of experience in the aerospace industry
- 10+ years of aircraft maintenance experience
- Previous Flight Test Instrumentation experience
- Previous developmental or Part 23/Part 27 certification flight test maintenance experience
- Hands-on with fly-by-wire aircraft and flight test instrumentation
- Aircraft configuration management and conformity experience
- Experience working with high voltage systems
- Knowledge of wiring techniques and best practices (crimping, routing, securing, etc.)
- Driving of aircraft tugs, carts, and lifts within an airport environment
- A collaborative attitude, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and meticulous attention to detail with the ability to communicate and build cross-functional relationships
- Work with all levels of personnel and effectively interact with technicians and engineers
- Excellent planning and organization skills, including the ability to give direction to others
- Ability to drive continuous improvement activities to exceed expectations and help promote a professional shop and organizational environment
- Working Hours: Ability to work a flexible schedule may include nights, weekends, and holidays
- Travel Requirements: This position requires travel 5-10% of the time
Bonus Qualifications:
- 15+ years aviation experience
- Prior experience with electric aircraft/eVTOL
- Working knowledge of composite airframe and repair
- Underpinning knowledge of IPC 610/620
- Experience working with CAD, NX, Confluence, JIRA
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. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $83,700 - $104,600. 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.
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