Program Manager, Flight Test

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of flight test campaigns from initial ground runs and envelope expansion through final certification
• Serve as the primary interface between the Flight Test organization and Design Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams
• Develop, manage, and ensure compliance with flight test processes and procedures
• Oversee the configuration control of test vehicles, ensuring aircraft configuration and conformity align with specific test requirements
• Coordinate with the FAA and designated engineering representatives (DERs) to support Certification and Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) activities
• Manage external test site logistics, including remote deployments, hangar facilities, and airspace coordination
• Program Management:
• Develop and maintain the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for all flight test vehicles and assets
• Manage program budgets for flight operations, including instrumentation, maintenance, telemetry infrastructure, and external range costs
• Track and report flight test KPIs, such as sortie rates, test points efficiency, and aircraft availability
• Lead daily stand-ups and weekly program reviews with cross-functional stakeholders
• Identify critical path risks and implement recovery plans to mitigate schedule slips during testing delays
• Facilitate communication between technical teams and executive leadership regarding test campaign progress, technical challenges, and shifting priorities
• What You Need:
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in flight test operations or flight test program management
• Demonstrated experience with aircraft development programs (Part 23 or Part 25 certification preferred)
• Deep understanding of FAA regulations, specifically 14 CFR Part 21 and flight test risk management (e.g., FAA Order 4040.26B)
• Strong proficiency in scheduling tools (Microsoft Project, Primavera, or Smartsheet) and issue tracking (Jira)
• Experience managing complex logistics, including aircraft maintenance and remote site operations
• Bonus Qualifications:
• Master's degree in Flight Test Engineering or Business Administration
• Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School (TPS) short course or full curriculum
• Private Pilot License (PPL) or higher aviation certification
• Experience with eVTOL, fly-by-wire systems, or high-voltage electric propulsion testing
• Experience with telemetry control room operations and real-time monitoring tools
• 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 asp

Benefits

Additional Information

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.

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