Archer56

Supervisor, Composite Fabrication & Assembly

Santa Clara, California, United States Full Time

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.

As the Composite Fabrication & Assembly Supervisor, you will lead a team of skilled technicians responsible for the fabrication, assembly, integration, and repair of composite structures supporting our cutting-edge eVTOL aircraft. You will oversee day-to-day shop operations in a fast-moving, evolving production environment, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards while collaborating closely with engineering and quality teams to resolve technical issues. Through effective leadership, you will drive productivity, technical excellence, and a culture of continuous improvement across all composite operations.

What You’ll Do: 

  • Stay current with advancements in composite materials, manufacturing methods, and repair technologies, applying best practices on the shop floor.
  • Supervise and coordinate the work of composite technicians to ensure efficient execution of production, modification, and repair activities.
  • Serve as the technical point of contact for composite processes, providing guidance on material selection, secondary bonding, structural fastening, modifications, and repair procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with engineering specifications, manufacturing standards, and applicable aerospace regulations.
  • Review and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and work instructions, ensuring technicians understand requirements and execute work accurately.
  • Partner closely with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams to resolve production challenges, implement process improvements, and escalate technical issues as needed.
  • Monitor the use and condition of equipment and tooling, including ovens, vacuum systems, and fixtures, ensuring operational readiness and adherence to maintenance schedules.
  • Support training and upskilling initiatives for technicians in composite fabrication, bonding, repair, and inspection techniques.
  • Enforce safety protocols for hazardous materials handling and ensure safe work practices across all composite operations.
  • Track work progress, maintain accurate documentation, and report on key metrics related to schedule, quality, and deliverables.
  • Foster a collaborative, high-accountability team culture focused on quality, ownership, and continuous improvement.

What You Need:

  • 7+ years of experience in composite fabrication, modification, and repair, preferably in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated hands-on expertise with composite layup processes (pre-preg and wet lay), secondary bonding, scarfing, drilling, and structural repairs.
  • Strong working knowledge of composite materials, resins, fibers, and curing processes.
  • Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, MBD (Model-Based Definition), and 3D CAD data (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks).
  • Proven leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
  • Familiarity with FAA regulatory requirements and aerospace documentation practices.
  • Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including confined spaces, and lift up to 50 lbs.

Bonus Qualifications:

  • Associate’s degree or certification in engineering technology, manufacturing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • A&P certification or equivalent hands-on experience.
  • Experience with FAA aircraft certification requirements, including Part 23.
  • Advanced certifications in composite repair techniques or NDT methods.
  • Knowledge of sustainable practices in composite manufacturing.
  • Experience with new product development in composite aviation structures.
  • Completion of advanced training in composite manufacturing and repair techniques.
  • Familiarity with geometric inspection equipment and procedures, including manual measurement and computerized systems such as Faro arms and laser trackers.

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 $122,880.00 - $153,600.00. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 

Archer is committed to provide a safe workplace and a safe aircraft. This is a safety sensitive designated role. Employment in safety sensitive positions is contingent on successful passage of a background check and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screening.

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.