Staff Thermal Analysis Engineer
Archer is seeking a Staff Thermal Analysis Engineer to join our Thermal Management team in San Jose, California. This role focuses on the design, analysis, and optimization of the Environmental Control System (ECS) and the overall fuselage to ensure cabin comfort, avionics cooling, and safe operation across all flight conditions. The engineer will collaborate closely with system architects and test engineers to develop system-level and component-level flow and thermal models that inform design decisions and support verification, validation, and certification activities.
Key responsibilities include performing detailed 1D and 3D flow and thermal analyses for ECS and other ventilation systems for the cabin, electronic bays, and the rest of the fuselage. The engineer will support ECS architecture definition, including air distribution, heat exchanger sizing, and control strategies. Additionally, the role involves developing steady-state and transient thermal/fluid models using tools such as Ansys Fluent, Star-CCM+, and MATLAB, analyzing pressure drops, mass flow distributions, and cabin air mixing under various flight and ground conditions, and evaluating heat loads from avionics, electronics, and cabin occupants to ensure temperature and humidity control targets are met.
The ideal candidate will have an M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or a related field) and at least 5 years of experience in thermal and flow analysis. Strong proficiency in thermal/fluid modeling tools such as Thermal Desktop, SINDA/Fluint, Flownex, GT-Suite, or CFD codes is required, along with a solid understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer. Experience with CFD tools like ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, or OpenFOAM for detailed flow assessments is essential. Familiarity with DO-160 and environmental qualification standards for aircraft systems, as well as strong data analysis and scripting skills (Python or MATLAB preferred), are also necessary.
Archer offers a competitive compensation package, with a targeted base pay between $152,100.00 and $190,100.00 annually. Actual compensation will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional benefits include comprehensive health care coverage, generous paid time off, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development and growth.
Joining Archer means becoming part of a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to advancing sustainable air mobility. We are committed to cultivating an equitable environment that embraces differences and supports all team members. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced design environment, contributing to the development of innovative all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.