Program Manager, Flight Test

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all‑electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to advance sustainable air mobility. We design, manufacture, and operate an all‑electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.

Lead the planning, execution, and certification of flight test campaigns. Act as the critical link between design engineering, flight operations, and regulatory authorities. Manage day‑to‑day flight test vehicles, ensuring safe and efficient development and certification testing.

• Plan and execute flight test campaigns from initial ground runs to final certification.
• Interface between Flight Test, Design Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.
• Develop, manage, and ensure compliance with flight test processes and procedures.
• Oversee configuration control of test vehicles to align with test requirements.
• Coordinate with the FAA and designated engineering representatives for Certification and Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) activities.
• Manage external test site logistics, including remote deployments, hangar facilities, and airspace coordination.

• Develop and maintain the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for all flight test vehicles and assets.
• Manage program budgets for flight operations, including instrumentation, maintenance, telemetry infrastructure, and external range costs.
• Track and report flight test KPIs, such as sortie rates, test points efficiency, and aircraft availability.
• Lead daily stand‑ups and weekly program reviews with cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Identify critical path risks and implement recovery plans to mitigate schedule slips during testing delays.
• Facilitate communication between technical teams and executive leadership regarding test campaign progress, technical challenges, and shifting priorities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in flight test operations or flight test program management.
• Demonstrated experience with aircraft development programs (Part 23 or Part 25 certification preferred).
• Deep understanding of FAA regulations, specifically 14 CFR Part 21 and flight test risk management (e.g., FAA Order 4040.26B).
• Strong proficiency in scheduling tools (Microsoft Project, Primavera, or Smartsheet) and issue tracking (Jira).
• Experience managing complex logistics, including aircraft maintenance and remote site operations.

• Master’s degree in Flight Test Engineering or Business Administration.
• Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School (TPS) short course or full curriculum.
• Private Pilot License (PPL) or higher aviation certification.
• Experience with eVTOL, fly‑by‑wire systems, or high‑voltage electric propulsion testing.
• Experience with telemetry control room operations and real‑time monitoring tools.

Base pay ranges between $172,800 and $216,000. 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  Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis.

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 on 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.