Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Harnessing & Wiring

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 seeking a highly skilled Senior Harnessing & Wiring Manufacturing Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will design, develop, and optimize the production systems used to install electrical wiring harnesses across our aircraft assembly line. Responsibilities include collaborating with suppliers, managing installation processes, and ensuring all work meets FAA-certified compliance requirements. You will also play a key role in identifying and closing procedural gaps by authoring and updating documentation that supports both production readiness and certification efforts.

What You’ll Do

• Design Production Systems: Develop a comprehensive production system concept for the installation of wire harnesses in our aircraft assembly line, considering the use of supplier-fabricated structural assemblies.

• Collaborate with Suppliers: Coordinate with external suppliers to identify opportunities for pre-installing harness standoffs and supports and determine which harnesses, if any, should be pre-installed during the fabrication of structural assemblies.

• Process Optimization: Establish and document processes, guidelines, and standards to streamline the installation of wire harnesses, making the process faster, easier, and safer. Identify preferred installation components and methods.

• Damage Mitigation and Repair: Anticipate potential types of damage to wiring harnesses during production and develop mitigation strategies and repair procedures to ensure the integrity and safety of the installation.

• Adapt to High-Rate Production: Plan for production rate increases, analyzing how the production system will need to change to accommodate higher volumes over time.

• Support Certification Efforts: Create process documents, guidelines, and standards required to support the FAA certification efforts and maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement within the EWIS production process to enhance quality, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.

What You Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent experience).

• Minimum of 6+ years of experience in Harnessing & Wiring design, installation, and manufacturing within the aerospace industry.

• Experience in an environment tied to FAA-certified aircraft.

• Experience with production systems design and optimization, particularly in relation to wire harness installation in aircraft.

• Experience with thermoset carbon fiber prepreg materials and the integration of electrical components into composite structures.

• Proven experience working with external suppliers and contract manufacturers to support low-rate initial production and high-rate scaling.

• Excellent problem-solving skills with a strong ability to anticipate potential issues and develop effective solutions.

• Strong communication skills to collaborate with internal teams, external suppliers, and regulatory bodies.

• Detail-oriented with a focus on process documentation and compliance.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with managing projects through various phases of aircraft development, including prototype, certification, and production.

• Knowledge of industry standards related to wire harness installation and aerospace manufacturing.

• Familiarity with the design and installation of expanded copper foil layers and surfacing films on OML surfaces.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive results in a fast-paced environment.

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 $122,880 - $166,800. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Archer is committed to provide a safe workplace and a safe aircraft. This is a safety sensitive designated role. Employment in safety sensitive positions is contingent on successful passage of a background check and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screening.

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.

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.