Senior Engineer, Vehicle Modeling, Simulation & Performance
Content + Source + Freshness • 17 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
Moderate value due to the innovative nature of the aerospace role and competitive salary, but may involve high pressure.
- Roles available in advanced vehicle modeling
- Salary reflecting aerospace industry's demand ($115,200 - $144,000)
- Involvement in innovation of aircraft technology
Pros
- Involvement in advanced vehicle modeling and performance simulations
- Competitive salary range ($115,200 - $144,000)
- Opportunity for significant contributions in aerospace development
Cons
- High demand for experience in aerospace simulation environments
- Potential exposure to significant project-related pressures
- Role may require substantial collaboration across teams
Who it's for
Mid to Senior • On-site with occasional travel
Good fit
- Mid to senior experienced aerospace engineers
- Candidates eager to work on innovative aircraft projects
- Individuals valuing analytical approaches and collaborative efforts
Not recommended for
- Newly graduated engineers without aerospace background
- Candidates resistant to dynamic and challenging work environments
- Those preferring isolated work settings
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
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.
What you’ll do:
- Perform vehicle-level trade study analysis
- Define and validate vehicle performance requirements
- Characterize the performance and capabilities of the aircraft. Conduct simulations to support Functional Hazard Analyses (FHAs) at a vehicle level.
- Analyze flight test data, identify sources of model error, and update vehicle physics models
- Support development of flight training devices and pilot-in-the-loop simulator physics models
- Work with internal and external suppliers to integrate their systems into our comprehensive vehicle simulations including vehicle dynamics, powertrain, actuation, sensors, and environmental modeling
- Support design and analysis activities to verify business and regulatory requirements will be met with high confidenceGenerate embedded aircraft performance models to incorporate into the aircraft flight manual, flight management system, and airline operations
What you need:
- BS in an Engineering discipline required. MS or PhD in an Engineering discipline highly desirable
- 5+ years of aerospace vehicle performance and simulation experience at a full-vehicle level
- Expert in modeling and numerical optimization techniques with an understanding of these in the context of aerodynamic vehicles
- High level of expertise with developing vehicle analysis tools and simulations in Python and MATLAB.
- Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills
- Experience in a fast-paced design environment
Bonus Qualifications:
- Experience modeling and analyzing eVTOL aircraft and a deep understanding of the role of various aircraft subsystems including an electric powertrain.
- Familiar with FAA regulations relating to aircraft and rotorcraft certification
- Experience using simulation for certification credit
- Pilot’s license
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 $115,200 - $144,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
