Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Software Engineer, CCU

at Archer

🏢 About Archer

Archer is at the forefront of urban air mobility, developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to transform transportation. Their commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge aviation technology makes them a unique and exciting place for engineers passionate about climate-friendly innovation.

About This Role

As a Senior Software Engineer for the Charge Control Unit (CCU), you'll develop safety-critical embedded software for aircraft charging, interfacing with high-voltage systems and adhering to DO-178C standards. Your work directly impacts the reliability and certification of Archer's eVTOL aircraft, bridging hardware and software for next-gen aviation.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a stand-up meeting with systems and hardware engineers to discuss integration issues. You'll then write C/C++ code for the CCU, review schematics, and test the firmware on a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) rig, debugging communication protocols and high-voltage interactions. Afternoons often involve documenting requirements and verification artifacts for DO-178C compliance.

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🎯 Who Archer Is Looking For

  • Experienced in embedded C/C++ for safety-critical systems, preferably in aerospace or automotive (e.g., DO-178C, ISO 26262).
  • Hands-on with charging standards like ISO 15118, SAE J1772, or HomePlug AV, including protocol implementation and testing.
  • Skilled in reading schematics and working with analog/digital circuits, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
  • A collaborative engineer comfortable with systems engineering, requirements decomposition, and cross-functional team integration.

📝 Tips for Applying to Archer

1

Highlight specific experience with DO-178C or similar safety standards (e.g., DO-254, ISO 26262) in your resume and cover letter.

2

Showcase any work with charging protocols (ISO 15118, SAE J1772) or power electronics firmware development.

3

Mention hands-on lab testing with high-voltage systems or battery management systems (BMS) to demonstrate practical skills.

4

Tailor your resume to include quantifiable achievements, like 'reduced charging time by 20%' or 'led certification of a safety-critical module'.

5

Research Archer's eVTOL aircraft (Midnight) and its charging infrastructure to show genuine interest in their technology.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience with safety-critical embedded software and DO-178C compliance, as this is key for certification.', 'Highlight expertise in charging standards and high-voltage system integration, directly relevant to the CCU role.', "Demonstrate a passion for sustainable aviation and Archer's mission to revolutionize urban transport.", 'Mention your ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and decompose requirements from system to software level.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Archer's Midnight aircraft specifications, especially its battery and charging system architecture.
  • → Review DO-178C guidelines for software development, particularly for DAL A or B systems.
  • → Understand the competitive landscape of eVTOL charging standards (e.g., Joby, Lilium) and how Archer differentiates.
  • → Read recent news about Archer's partnerships or certification milestones (e.g., FAA type certification progress).

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your experience with DO-178C and how you ensured software compliance in a past project.
2 Describe a time you debugged an embedded system involving high-voltage components or communication protocols.
3 How would you design a charge control algorithm to ensure safety and efficiency for an eVTOL battery?
4 Explain your approach to requirements decomposition from system to low-level software for a charging subsystem.
5 What experience do you have with ISO 15118 or HomePlug AV? Can you discuss a specific implementation challenge?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus only on general embedded experience without emphasizing safety-critical or aerospace/automotive context.
  • Avoid vague statements about 'team player' without concrete examples of cross-functional collaboration in complex systems.
  • Don't neglect to mention hands-on lab work with hardware; this role requires practical integration testing.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Archer!

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