Principal Program Manager, Flight Control Systems

Company: Archer
Location: San Jose
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

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: We are seeking an experienced Engineering Program Manager to drive engineering teams in the area of Flight Control Systems (FCS) . This role will be responsible for driving deliverables for FCS architecture across systems engineering teams, including schedule and resource planning, risk management, and flight-critical software and hardware integration. The position requires an understanding of complex, safety-critical product development programs and experience with control law design, hardware components, specialized suppliers in aerospace, and FAA conformity. Key Responsibilities: Lead and oversee multiple parallel workstreams from concept through production Coordinate with cross-functional teams including various engineering teams, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality Develop and maintain program schedules, budgets, and risk management plans Drive technical decisions and trade studies related to complex FCS design and development Oversee supplier relationships and contracts for FCS components Ensure alignment between program objectives and overall company strategy Technical Leadership: Oversee integration of the FCS with other aircraft systems (e.g., propulsion, navigation, vehicle management) Lead technical reviews and design validation activities, focusing on flight-critical aspects Lead trade studies and trade discussions with stakeholder collaboration Manage FCS functional, performance, and safety requirements Drive FCS requirements validation and verification, including simulation and flight testing Drive risk and opportunity management and cost reduction initiatives Program Management: Develop and track program metrics and KPIs Manage program budgets and resource allocation Create and maintain program documentation and reporting Lead stakeholder communications and status updates Run cross functional team meetings related to core team activities Report regular status and give status presentations to senior level executives What You Need: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering 10 years of program management experience in aerospace/aviation Experience with flight-critical system development programs, specifically FCS Knowledge of safety-critical quality standards and processes Strong proficiency in project management tools Excellence in stakeholder management Advanced problem-solving and analytical abilities Strong financial acumen and budget management Expert-level presentation and communication skills Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams Manage multiple suppliers to meet quality, schedule and cost targets Knowledge of FCS integration, actuator development, control law development, and verification methods Bonus Qualifications: Master's degree in relevant field PMP certification preferred Experience with eVTOL or urban air mobility programs Experience with safety-critical software development standards Background in control systems engineering or real-time embedded systems At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent who 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 $248,000 - $311,000 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.

Keywords: Archer, Lodi , Principal Program Manager, Flight Control Systems, Engineering , San Jose, California