Powertrain Manufacturing Test Engineer

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:

At Archer, we’re scaling production of our High Voltage Electric Propulsion System — the heart of our eVTOL aircraft, which includes the High Voltage Battery, Electric Motor and Propeller assemblies and represents one of the most technically demanding, highly automated manufacturing systems in our factory.

What you'll do:

Lead End-of-Line (EOL) and in-process test development for High Voltage batteries and electric motors, covering performance, safety, and system integration

Design and deploy manufacturing test strategies including hipot, insulation resistance, winding verification, electromagnetic performance, and ESS

Specify, validate, and commission production test equipment, including installation, FAT, and production readiness

Program, maintain, and optimize automated test equipment (ATE), test sequences, pass/fail logic, and data collection systems

Partner with Manufacturing, Design, Quality, and Test teams to integrate test stations into production lines and improve throughput, yield, and quality

Analyze production test data to identify trends, drive root cause, and implement corrective actions

Support FAI, production qualification, and manufacturing process changes for new battery and motor builds

Troubleshoot test equipment and production issues directly on the factory floor

Develop and maintain test procedures, work instructions, and HV safety documentation

Own calibration, maintenance, and validation of manufacturing test equipment

Contribute to PFMEA and in-process quality control strategy

What you need:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent

3+ years of manufacturing test engineering experience; EV battery or electric motor production strongly preferred

Hands-on experience with production test equipment and automated electrical test systems

Strong understanding of high-voltage safety, battery and motor manufacturing processes

Experience with battery testing (capacity, IR, balancing, BMS configuration) and motor testing (back-EMF, insulation, ESS, dyno, torque/speed characterization)

Proficiency in test data analysis, SPC, and manufacturing test data systems (MES)

Experience bringing production test equipment from prototype through mass production

Strong troubleshooting skills across test equipment, product, and process issues

Comfortable working on the production floor with technicians and operators

Ability to create, validate, and sustain manufacturing test procedures and work instructions

Solid communication skills and experience working cross-functionally

Bonus Qualifications:

Direct experience in battery module/pack and/or electric motor manufacturing

Familiarity with battery and motor production processes (welding, winding, balancing, automated assembly)

Experience with BMS or motor controller programming and EOL configuration

Knowledge of industrial communications (CAN, Ethernet/IP, Modbus) and PLC-based automation

Experience with dynamometer testing, power electronics, or motor control

Exposure to aerospace manufacturing, AS9100, or eVTOL programs

Experience with lean manufacturing and production ramp-ups

Ability to support multiple shifts during critical production phases

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 $126,700 - $158,400. 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 r…