Product Engineer, Paint

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of coating and paint systems for interior and exterior aircraft components
• Create technical specifications and application procedures for various coating types including primers, topcoats, and specialty finishes
• Develop and optimize paint processes, equipment selection, and surface preparation requirements
• Perform coating durability analysis, adhesion testing, and environmental evaluation
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Industrial design, manufacturing, quality assurance, supply chain, certification, and suppliers
• Assist in developing coating inspection criteria and quality control standards
• Manage multiple coating projects simultaneously while meeting program milestones and deadlines
• Ensure coating systems meet safety regulations, environmental standards, and certification requirements
• Support certification activities and documentation for paint and coating processes
• Participate in design reviews and technical meetings
• Troubleshoot coating defects and implement corrective actions

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent level of experience
• 5+ years of coating and paint engineering experience in Aerospace, Automotive, or other related industry
• Strong knowledge of coating chemistry, application methods, and curing processes for plastics and composites
• Experience with coating testing standards (ASTM, SAE, military specifications)
• Familiarity with paint booth design, spray equipment, and automated coating systems
• Knowledge of surface preparation techniques and adhesion promotion methods
• Experience with environmental regulations and VOC compliance
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong project management and leadership abilities
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience with cost optimization and process improvement initiatives
• Knowledge of corrosion protection and durability testing preferred

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 $115,200 - $144,000. 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 accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.