Application Guide
How to Apply for Director of Flight Software & Algorithms
at Archer
🏢 About Archer
Archer is at the forefront of urban air mobility, developing all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft aimed at reducing urban congestion and carbon emissions. Their Midnight aircraft is designed for rapid, safe, and quiet flight, with a focus on commercial viability and regulatory compliance. Joining Archer means contributing to a transformative shift in transportation, backed by strong partnerships and a clear path to certification.
About This Role
As Director of Flight Software & Algorithms, you will lead the teams responsible for the brain of Archer's aircraft—from low-level embedded code to high-level autonomy and simulation. Your work will directly impact the safety, performance, and certification of the Midnight aircraft, making you a key driver in Archer's mission to bring eVTOL to market. This role offers the opportunity to shape a growing organization and set technical direction in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a stand-up with your direct reports (managers of embedded, GNC, autonomy, and simulation teams) to review progress and blockers. You'll then dive into architecture reviews for a new flight control algorithm, followed by a cross-functional meeting with airframe and certification teams to align on safety requirements. Afternoon could involve one-on-ones with senior engineers to discuss career growth, and end with a strategic planning session for the next quarter's software release.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Archer Is Looking For
- A seasoned leader with 12+ years in flight software, GNC, or autonomy for aerospace or robotics, including 5+ years managing managers and senior technical leaders.
- Deeply knowledgeable in control theory, state estimation, navigation, and flight control algorithms, with hands-on experience in algorithm development and validation.
- Proven track record of developing safety-critical software compliant with DO-178C and ARP4754A, ideally with experience in certification of aircraft systems.
- A strategic thinker who can balance technical excellence with organizational growth, fostering a culture of innovation, rigor, and collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams.
📝 Tips for Applying to Archer
Tailor your resume to highlight leadership of large software teams (10+ engineers) and specific achievements in flight software or GNC for certified aircraft.
Quantify your impact: e.g., 'Led a team of 20 engineers to deliver flight control software for a DO-178C Level A system, reducing integration issues by 30%'.
Showcase your familiarity with Archer's specific aircraft (Midnight) and their approach to eVTOL, mentioning any relevant experience with electric propulsion or urban air mobility.
Include a cover letter that explicitly connects your experience with DO-178C and ARP4754A to Archer's certification goals, and your leadership philosophy for scaling teams.
Prepare to discuss a specific example of how you've driven safety-critical software development from concept to certification, including challenges faced and lessons learned.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your experience leading teams through DO-178C and ARP4754A compliance for flight-critical software, and your understanding of the certification challenges unique to eVTOL.', 'Highlight your ability to build and scale organizations, with examples of mentoring managers and fostering technical excellence.', "Express passion for urban air mobility and Archer's mission, demonstrating knowledge of their Midnight aircraft and competitive landscape.", 'Show your holistic understanding of flight software including GNC, embedded systems, and autonomy, and how you integrate these disciplines for safe, reliable operation.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Study Archer's Midnight aircraft specifications, including its lift+cruise design, battery technology, and target performance metrics (range, speed, noise).
- → Review Archer's latest press releases, investor presentations, and news about their partnership with United Airlines and FAA certification progress.
- → Understand the eVTOL certification framework, including the FAA's proposed special conditions for eVTOL and how DO-178C/ARP4754A apply.
- → Familiarize yourself with Archer's key competitors (Joby, Lilium, etc.) and their approaches to flight software and autonomy.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overemphasizing academic research without practical experience in certification or production-grade software; this role demands real-world delivery.
- Focusing solely on GNC or autonomy without demonstrating understanding of embedded software, safety-critical processes, and systems integration.
- Underestimating the importance of team building and organizational design; this is a director role that requires proven leadership of leaders.
- Neglecting to show enthusiasm for urban air mobility and Archer's specific mission; generic interest in aerospace may not suffice.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!