Staff GNC Engineer

Archer is an aerospace and defense company headquartered in San Jose, California, building the aircraft and technology that will define the next era of flight. The company works across air taxis, UAS, AI and powertrain development — building real-world systems that combine software intelligence with physical hardware. That includes Midnight, Archer's all-electric air taxi; Halo, an autonomous vertical takeoff and landing aircraft built for both commercial and defense use; and ZEE, Archer's AI foundation model built specifically for aviation. We’re seeking exceptional engineers, operators and builders to join us on our mission to build the future of aerospace and defense. 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. What you’ll do: Lead teams to design and implement flight control algorithms for electric VTOL aircraftWork cross functionally to connect GNC requirements with other system requirementsInfluence leadership with decisions that are affected by GNC systems. Implement creative solutions to efficiently verify complex systems and softwareBuild simulations to verify and validate system requirementsRun trade studies to inform aircraft design and system architectureWork with the Flight Test team to design tests that safely evaluate the vehicle capabilitiesImprove the fidelity and capabilities of our vehicle and environment simulation modelsAnalyze full-scale and subscale flight data to improve our modelsAuthor software requirements and test cases that drive the design of the GNC softwareCollaborate with Systems Engineering to properly decompose higher level requirementsCollaborate with Systems Safety and Systems Engineering to identify and correct any deficiencies in the Flight Control System. What you need: Strong knowledge of vehicle dynamics, optimization, and both classical and modern control theoryBS in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or a related field with at least 10 years of relevant experience OR MS with at least 8 years of relevant experience OR PhD with at least 6 years of relevant experienceProficiency in MATLAB/Simulink Bonus Qualifications: Experience verifying GNC systems in simulation and on hardwareExperience with envelope protectionExperience with modeling physics, sensors, and actuatorsExperience applying system identification techniques to aircraft or rotorcraftKnowledge of fault detection and isolation techniquesExperience implementing trajectory generation and/or optimization algorithmsExperience flight testing piloted and/or autonomous aircraft or rotorcraftPiloting experience (aircraft or rotorcraft) 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. Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy. Certain positions may be eligible for visa sponsorship. 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 People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.