Principal M&P Engineer, Metallics

The role

You will serve as the Metallics Subject Matter Expert for the airframe of an eVTOL aircraft. You will act as the technical authority for metallic materials and processes across primary and secondary airframe structures.

What you will do

• Serve as the M&P Metallics SME for aluminum, titanium, steel, and corrosion-resistant alloys.
• Develop compliance data and substantiation for M&P-related airworthiness requirements.
• Interface with the FAA, DERs, and internal certification teams.
• Author, review, and maintain internal MPE specs, test plans, and design guidelines.
• Plan and execute metallic material and process qualification programs.
• Establish material strength properties and design values using MMPDS.
• Lead alloy, temper, and product-form selection.
• Define corrosion prevention and control requirements.
• Support manufacturing and suppliers through MRB dispositions, nonconformance resolution, and audits.
• Lead failure analysis and root cause investigations using fractography, metallography, and SEM/EDS.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum 8 years of aerospace M&P experience focused on metallic materials and processes (6 years with an advanced degree)
• Track record leading material and process qualification, specification development, and FAA or equivalent certification activities
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace aluminum, titanium, precipitation-hardening and corrosion-resistant steels, and low-alloy steels
• Strong understanding of heat treatment, microstructure-property relationships, fatigue, fracture mechanics, damage tolerance, stress corrosion cracking, and hydrogen embrittlement
• Working knowledge of heat treatment, anodizing, conversion coating, passivation, plating, shot peening, and welding/joining
• Fluency with MMPDS, SAE AMS, ASTM, MIL, and NAS specifications
• Experience with nondestructive testing methods including dye penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, and eddy current
• Familiarity with FAA regulations, Advisory Circulars, and M&P-related airworthiness requirements
• Hands-on experience with fractography, metallography, and SEM/EDS for root cause analysis

Nice to have

• Master’s or PhD
• Experience on a new aircraft development and type certification program, ideally in eVTOL, general aviation, or rotorcraft
• Experience with forgings and castings, including casting factors and classification
• Experience with metallic–composite hybrid structures, fastener systems, and bonded or sealed joints
• Experience with conducting supplier audits, establishing or approving NADCAP-accredited special processes, AS9100 quality management system
• FAA DER or Designee experience, or experience working directly with Designees and FAA Aircraft Certification Offices

About the company

Archer is a leader in the next-gen aerospace sector building an end-to-end advanced air mobility platform. The company delivers air taxis, unmanned aircraft systems, and aviation-related physical artificial intelligence solutions.