Director of Flight Software & Algorithms

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.

About the Role

The Director of Flight Software & Algorithms will lead the teams responsible for developing the core flight software, guidance/navigation/control (GNC) algorithms, autonomy capabilities, and safety‑critical onboard systems that power Archer’s aircraft. This leader will drive technical strategy, execution, and cross‑functional alignment across software, avionics, systems engineering, and flight test.

This role requires deep technical expertise in flight‑critical software and control algorithms, strong leadership experience, and the ability to scale high‑performing engineering teams in a fast‑paced environment.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and grow the Flight Software and Algorithms organization, including embedded software, GNC, autonomy, and simulation teams.

• Own the architecture, development, integration, and validation of all flight‑critical and safety‑critical software.

• Oversee development of real‑time embedded software for flight computers, motor controllers, sensors, and avionics systems.

• Drive the design and implementation of GNC algorithms, state estimation, fault detection, and flight‑control logic.

• Partner closely with Systems Engineering, Avionics, Flight Controls, and Flight Test to ensure seamless integration and aircraft‑level performance.

• Establish software development processes aligned with DO‑178C, ARP4754A, and other relevant certification standards.

• Define long‑term technical strategy for autonomy, advanced control systems, and next‑generation flight software architectures.

• Ensure robust simulation, modeling, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) environments to support rapid iteration and validation.

• Build a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Represent the organization in design reviews, certification discussions, and executive‑level program updates.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.

• 12+ years of experience in flight software, embedded systems, GNC, or autonomy for aerospace or robotics systems.

• 5+ years of engineering leadership experience managing managers and senior technical leaders.

• Proven experience delivering safety‑critical or real‑time embedded software for aircraft, spacecraft, or autonomous vehicles.

• Deep understanding of control theory, estimation, navigation, and flight‑control algorithms.

• Strong familiarity with DO‑178C, ARP4754A, and safety‑critical development processes.

• Demonstrated ability to scale teams, set technical direction, and drive execution in a fast‑moving environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with eVTOL, electric propulsion, or novel aircraft configurations.

• Background in autonomy, advanced perception, or AI‑enabled control systems.

• Experience with hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, simulation frameworks, and real‑time operating systems (RTOS).

• Prior involvement in aircraft certification programs.

• Strong cross‑functional leadership skills and ability to influence at all levels.

What We Look For

• Passion for aviation and sustainable transportation.

• Ability to thrive in ambiguity and build structure where needed.

• Strong communication skills and a collaborative leadership style

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 [email protected]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

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 $250,000 - $330,000. 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 accommodations for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.