Sr. Manager, Industrial Engineering

Archer is an aerospace and defense company headquartered in San Jose, California, building the aircraft and technology that will define the next era of flight. The company works across air taxis, UAS, AI and powertrain development — building real-world systems that combine software intelligence with physical hardware. That includes Midnight, Archer's all-electric air taxi; Halo, an autonomous vertical takeoff and landing aircraft built for both commercial and defense use; and ZEE, Archer's AI foundation model built specifically for aviation. We’re seeking exceptional engineers, operators and builders to join us on our mission to build the future of aerospace and defense.

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.

This role will be based at Archer’s headquarters in San Jose, California.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the Industrial Engineering (IE) organization responsible for defining, standardizing, and optimizing systems globally across Archer’s engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain.

• Build and develop a high-performing team of Industrial Engineers focused on process design, capacity analysis, layout optimization, and lean implementation.

• Own the development of Manufacturing System Design (MSD) — ensuring seamless integration of people, machines, materials, and information through all phases: plan, design, validate, and improve.

• Drive the standardization of IE methodologies, including:

• Standardized Work Instructions (SWI), Work Combination Tables (WCT), and Standard Operation Sheets (SOS).

• PFEP (Plan for Every Part), containerization, and parts presentation planning in partnership with Logistics.

• Value Stream Mapping (VSM), EPEI analysis, OEE calculation, and capacity studies to identify bottlenecks and improvement opportunities.

• Oversee plant and warehouse layout design, including space utilization studies, storage systems, and material flow paths that tie directly to CapEx and operational efficiency.

• Design warehouse and lineside material flow systems, including kitting strategies, packaging standards, and custom cart or container designs that improve ergonomics and presentation at point-of-use.

• Establish headcount, labor rates, and efficiency standards to support production and budget planning.

• Lead the design-in of ergonomics, operator aids, racks, carts, and WIP management systems that enhance safety and efficiency.

• Deploy discrete event simulation and digital twin modeling to evaluate throughput, optimize resource allocation, and validate production scenarios for both NPI and sustaining lines.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams — Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Facilities, Quality, Safety, and Finance — to implement world-class production systems.

• Support the start-up and ramp-up of new factories, including scenario simulation, throughput modeling, and layout optimization for Covington and other potential sites.

• Drive continuous improvement through kaizen events, standard work audits, and lean training across operations.

What You Need:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Systems, or related field (Ph.D. preferred).

• 10+ years of experience in industrial engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.

• Deep expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Proven track record developing and implementing standardized processes and factory layouts in a complex, fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Hands-on experience with time studies, motion analysis (MODAPTS), and work measurement tools.

• Skilled with discrete event simulation tools and plant layout tools.

• Experience defining and managing MPP routings, MES integrations, and SAP cost models.

• Strong understanding of ergonomics, material presentation, and human-machine interface design.

• Demonstrated success leading teams in data-driven decision making and performance improvement.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills with the ability to influence across technical and non-technical functions.

• Comfortable managing ambiguity, prioritizing multiple programs, and driving accountability in a high-growth environment.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience in aerospace or EV industry

• Experience with Siemens Plant Simulation

• Experience with Siemens Manufacturing Process Planner or EasyPlan

• Experience with AutoCAD

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 $182,500 - $228,100. 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.

Certain positions may be eligible for visa sponsorship.

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.