Director of SW Integration & Operations

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.

We are looking for an experienced leader to join the Flight Software Team at Archer to lead the integration of Archer's safety critical software systems including avionics, batteries, engines, and actuators. You will build and lead a high-performing team while establishing the strategic vision and operational excellence required to deliver safe, certifiable aircraft software systems.

• Lead and grow a multi-disciplinary team responsible for software integration, testing, process, and overall operations
• Define and execute the strategic roadmap for software integration and operations across the aircraft development lifecycle
• Partner with aircraft systems, verification, flight test, and integration leadership to align priorities and drive program success
• Establish testing strategies and infrastructure across multiple environments, including simulators, software labs, systems labs, and aircraft prototypes
• Drive root cause analysis and resolution of complex, system-level integration issues by leveraging requirements, architecture diagrams, Simulink models, C source code, and supplier documentation
• Build and manage processes for problem report disposition, coordinating with software development teams to implement corrective actions and preventive measures
• Provide technical leadership and oversight for aircraft production, ground testing, and flight testing operations
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve processes, tools, and guidelines to increase safety, quality, and team efficiency
• Lead program planning, including resource allocation, scheduling, risk management, and cross-functional coordination
• Mentor and develop engineers, fostering technical excellence and career growth within the team
• Interface with executive leadership, regulatory agencies, and external partners on technical matters and program status

• Proven leadership experience managing technical teams in a complex, fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with ability to influence at all organizational levels
• Strategic thinking with strong organizational and program management capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to build teams, processes, and organizational capabilities from the ground up
• 12+ years of experience working with critical, complex, real-time embedded systems, with at least 5+ years in a leadership role
• Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering, Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related degree (Master's preferred)
• Deep technical expertise in flight controls, avionics, powertrain, or related aerospace systems
• Extensive experience with systems verification and validation methodologies
• Strong technical foundation in hardware and software integration in laboratory and flight test environments
• Expert knowledge of communication standards and protocols (RS-422/485, CAN, ARINC-429, AFDX, Ethernet, TCP/IP, etc.)
• Experience with debuggers and lab instruments such as oscilloscopes and bus analyzers
• Technical proficiency with C language, MATLAB/Simulink, and scripting languages (bash, Python)
• Must be on-site at Archer San Jose, CA office with ability to travel to Salinas, CA and other locations as needed

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in relevant engineering discipline
• Experience leading software development and integration programs in aerospace or automotive industries
• Direct experience with DO-178C and ARP
  4754 certification…