Director of Flight Software & Algorithms

About the Role

The Director of Flight Software & Algorithms will lead the teams responsible for developing the core flight software, guidance/navigation/control (GNC) algorithms, autonomy capabilities, and safety‑critical onboard systems that power Archer’s aircraft. This leader will drive technical strategy, execution, and cross‑functional alignment across software, avionics, systems engineering, and flight test.

This role requires deep technical expertise in flight‑critical software and control algorithms, strong leadership experience, and the ability to scale high‑performing engineering teams in a fast‑paced environment.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and grow the Flight Software and Algorithms organization, including embedded software, GNC, autonomy, and simulation teams.
• Own the architecture, development, integration, and validation of all flight‑critical and safety‑critical software.
• Oversee development of real‑time embedded software for flight computers, motor controllers, sensors, and avionics systems.
• Drive the design and implementation of GNC algorithms, state estimation, fault detection, and flight‑control logic.
• Partner closely with Systems Engineering, Avionics, Flight Controls, and Flight Test to ensure seamless integration and aircraft‑level performance.
• Establish software development processes aligned with DO‑178C, ARP4754A, and other relevant certification standards.
• Define long‑term technical strategy for autonomy, advanced control systems, and next‑generation flight software architectures.
• Ensure robust simulation, modeling, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) environments to support rapid iteration and validation.
• Build a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the organization in design reviews, certification discussions, and executive‑level program updates.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in flight software, embedded systems, GNC, or autonomy for aerospace or robotics systems.
• 5+ years of engineering leadership experience managing managers and senior technical leaders.
• Proven experience delivering safety‑critical or real‑time embedded software for aircraft, spacecraft, or autonomous vehicles.
• Deep understanding of control theory, estimation, navigation, and flight‑control algorithms.
• Strong familiarity with DO‑178C, ARP4754A, and safety‑critical development processes.
• Demonstrated ability to scale teams, set technical direction, and drive execution in a fast‑moving environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with eVTOL, electric propulsion, or novel aircraft configurations.
• Background in autonomy, advanced perception, or AI‑enabled control systems.
• Experience with hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, simulation frameworks, and real‑time operating systems (RTOS).
• Prior involvement in aircraft certification programs.
• Strong cross‑functional leadership skills and ability to influence at all levels.

What We Look For

• Passion for aviation and sustainable transportation.
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity and build structure where needed.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative leadership style

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.

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 $250,000 - $330,000. 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 accommodations 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.