Materials and Processes Engineer, Adhesives

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Archer

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San Jose, CA, United States

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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 an experienced Adhesives Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead the development, qualification, and FAA certification of structural and non-structural bonding technologies for our next-generation electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, certified under 14 CFR Part 23. This role is critical to ensure the safety, performance, and manufacturability of bonded assemblies across the vehicle. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in adhesive systems, bonding processes, and material qualification, along with a strong understanding of FAA certification requirements for bonded structures.

What you'll do

  • Serve as the technical lead for adhesive bonding systems, including epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic adhesives used in both structural and non-structural applications.
  • Develop and validate bonding processes, surface preparation techniques, and inspection protocols in compliance with FAA regulations, particularly 14 CFR Part 23.
  • Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and certification teams to ensure bonded joints meet static strength, fatigue, and damage tolerance requirements.
  • Author and maintain material and process specifications, including qualification plans and test procedures for adhesive systems.
  • Support failure analysis and root cause investigations related to bonded structures.
  • Interface with FAA representatives, DERs, and other regulatory bodies to support certification efforts.
  • Provide training and mentorship to engineering and production teams on best practices in structural bonding.
  • Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes related to adhesive bonding in aerospace.

What you'll need

  • Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in aerospace adhesives and structural bonding, with a focus Part 23 aircraft.
  • Demonstrated experience in material qualification and FAA certification of bonded structures.
  • Deep understanding of adhesive chemistry, bonding mechanisms, surface preparation techniques, chemical and mechanical characterization techniques, and failure analysis.
  • Familiarity with FAA Advisory Circulars (e.g., AC 20-107B), ASTM standards, and MIL specifications related to bonded structures.
  • Experience with composite materials, metal bonding, and hybrid structures.
  • Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.
  • Experience with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for bonded joints is a plus.

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 $186,240 - $232,800. 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 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.
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 People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.