Archer56 Lead mission systems design, requirements definition, and integration for prototype vehicles. Own the mission systems discipline within Special Programs, setting technical approach and integration methods.
Responsibilities
Special Programs is Archer's rapid-prototyping, cross-functional engineering team supporting advanced and defense-focused development efforts. We operate as a small, empowered group capable of moving quickly across disciplines — from early technical assessment of new opportunities through hands-on design, analysis, and prototype development.
The Lead Special Programs Engineer – Mission Systems & Integration brings deep mission systems engineering expertise as their organic core competency — defining and integrating the payloads, sensors, and mission equipment that let prototype vehicles perform their intended mission.
Lead mission systems design, requirements definition, and integration for prototype vehicles, including payload and sensor integration, mission equipment packaging, and operator/mission-system interfaces
Support rapid prototyping efforts end-to-end, from concept mission architecture through integration, ground test, and flight test support
Own the mission systems discipline within Special Programs — setting technical approach, standards, and integration methods used across the program’s mission systems work
Conduct technical feasibility assessments of new opportunities — evaluating whether emerging concepts, RFPs, or mission requirements are viable within your focus area and what approach they would require
Serve as a cross-functional technical contributor across Special Programs efforts outside your core focus area when program needs require it
Collaborate with program leads, other Special Programs engineers, and broader Archer engineering teams to align technical approaches with program timelines and constraints
Produce technical documentation, trade studies, and analysis packages supporting both design maturity reviews and opportunity/capture decisions
Represent Special Programs work in your focus area in internal reviews and, as needed, in discussions with government stakeholders
Qualification
Bachelor’s degree in AerospaceMust be a UAbility to obtain and maintain a UAbility to travel up to 10% of the timeWhat Makes This Role Different
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Systems, or Electrical Engineering (advanced degree a plus)
Demonstrated experience defining and integrating mission systems, payloads, or sensor packages for aerospace or defense platforms
Familiarity with mission-system requirements management and payload-to-airframe integration
Demonstrated ability to work across the full development lifecycle — concept through prototype — in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment
Experience or strong aptitude for evaluating technical feasibility of early-stage concepts, not just executing against defined requirements
Comfort operating as a generalist when needed — willingness and ability to contribute outside your core focus area in support of program needs
Ability to work independently with significant technical ownership and no direct-report support structure
8–12 years of relevant engineering experience (or equivalent demonstrated experience in rapid-prototyping / advanced-programs environments)
Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee), as defined by ITAR/EAR
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
