What you’ll do:

• Architect and lead the team managing Archer’s lab integration environments supporting validation and verification activities, handling quality evaluations, human factor evaluations and test pilot training.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal groups and suppliers to integrate, instrument and maintain configuration of simulation models in a real-time, integrated hardware-in-the-loop environments .
• Own end-to-end configuration of simulation environments (e.g., SIL, HIL, CeRT, Iron Bird), including data analysis and simulation correlation with flight test data.
• Develop and optimize simulation pipelines including CI/CD integration for automated deployment, execution, and monitoring.
• Integrate third-party software/hardware systems into cohesive simulation architectures.
• Set technical standards, provide mentorship, and foster a collaborative and high-performance engineering culture.
• Guide the design and build of graphical user interfaces to control the real-time simulation environment.
• Lead task decomposition, technical planning, and debugging of complex issues across real-time and distributed systems.
• Influence tool architecture in support of lab configuration and automation

What you need:

• 9+ years of experience in simulation software development and systems integration.
• Bachelor's or higher degree in Aerospace, Software, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Seasoned technical lead for an engineering team; providing guidance in planning and execution.
• Advanced proficiency in C/C++ and Python.
• Very experienced  in MATLAB/Simulink.
• Extensive experience developing real-time HIL test infrastructures.
• Proven ability to develop simulation tools with a focus on usability, modularity, and performance.
• Expert of communication standards and protocols (RS-422/485, CAN/CAN-FD, ARINC-429, Ethernet, TCP/IP, USB etc…)
• Experience prototyping Graphical User Interfaces based on user feedback.

• Knowledgeable with software engineering practices including CI/CD (GitHub Actions, Jenkins), test-driven development, and agile methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Comfortable working in cross-disciplinary teams and mentoring junior engineers.
• Comfortable leading Agile/SCRUM methodologies and tools throughout the organization
• Familiarity with Tool Qualification Levels TQL

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aerospace, spacecraft, or robotics systems—including modeling of flight dynamics, sensor-actuator loops, or avionics.
• Proficiency in the NI software suite (LabVIEW, VeriStand).
• Experience developing and troubleshooting custom code (i.e. plugins, logical devices, custom devices) for real-time OS
• Background in simulation infrastructure for VTOL, rotorcraft, or autonomous vehicles.
• Understanding of control theory, GNC algorithms, and physics-based modeling.
• Hands-on experience with HIL/SIL test rigs, hardware communication protocols, and test instrumentation.
• Exposure to regulatory frameworks (FAA, DoD, NASA) and test certification environments.
• Startup or fast-paced development experience is a plus.
• Experience automating and executing test plans.
•  Experience with DO-178 and other aviation standards  
• Familiarity with fault injection methodologies.
• Familiarity with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and protocol analyzers.

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 $170,000 - $215,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Archer is looking for a Lab Architect to lead the design, development, and long-term evolution of our eVTOL integrated Lab ecosystem, including Iron Bird platforms, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments, and full-system simulation and test infrastructure. This role is a combination of long term vision and hands-on development, building the technical foundations of how our aircraft systems are tested—from early prototyping through FAA certification.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in building complex aerospace test labs, integrating real-time simulation environments, and guiding multidisciplinary teams through system integration and regulatory processes. In addition, this role will drive next-generation automation and AI-assisted workflows to enhance testing efficiency, and scalability.

What you'll do: 

• Architect the overall integrated lab ecosystem, including Iron Birds, HILs, and multiple system benches.
• Define the lab-wide simulation architecture, integrating aircraft systems and simulation models and associated HW into a cohesive real-time environment.
• Define the physical, electrical, networking, and computational infrastructure for labs
• Lead cross-functional design reviews for new test platforms or updates to existing platforms.
• Improve configuration management  and traceability aligned with certification needs.
• Collaborate with certification authorities during for-credit testing, audits, lab inspections, and test method reviews.
• Create a long-term roadmap to embed AI, ML, and automation into the lab ecosystem, including: automated  test execution, automated data pipelines, and results classification
• Provide technical mentorship and guide architectural decisions across all lab programs.
• Drive CI/CD, and DevOps best practices into labs

What you need:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years experience building aerospace test labs.
• Expertise with real-time simulation environments (dSPACE, NI VeriStand).
• Proficiency in C/C++/Python/Matlab/Simulink.
• Proven experience architecting complex test infrastructure (electrical, networking, computing, control interfaces).
• Strong understanding of aircraft system integration.
• Familiarity with FAA certification processes and standards (DO-178C, ARP4754A/4761).
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional design teams and large-scale technical programs.
• Capable of setting long-term technical vision while remaining execution-focused.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to interface with all levels of the organization.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience specifically with eVTOL, or hybrid-electric aircraft.
• Background implementing AI/automation in engineering or test environments.
• Experience with Model-Based Design

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 support the Company's strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $245,000 - $310,000. 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.