Application Guide

How to Apply for Sr GNC Engineer, DevOps

at Archer

🏢 About Archer

Archer is pioneering urban air mobility with an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for short-distance travel. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation makes them a leader in the emerging electric aviation sector, offering a chance to work on cutting-edge technology that could transform transportation.

About This Role

As a Sr GNC Engineer, DevOps, you'll build and manage the cloud infrastructure for large-scale simulations and continuous integration systems critical to developing flight software. Your work directly enables faster, more reliable testing of GNC algorithms, accelerating Archer's path to certifying and deploying their eVTOL aircraft.

💡 A Day in the Life

You'll start by reviewing simulation results from overnight batch runs, then collaborate with GNC engineers to tweak test parameters. After a stand-up with the DevOps team, you might automate a new data pipeline or troubleshoot a CI pipeline failure. Afternoons often involve designing cloud infrastructure improvements or analyzing flight test data to refine simulation models.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Archer Is Looking For

  • Experienced in deploying and managing cloud-based simulation environments (e.g., AWS, Azure) for large-scale batch processing.
  • Proficient in CI/CD pipelines and automation tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI) with a focus on Model-in-the-Loop, Software-in-the-Loop, and Hardware-in-the-Loop testing.
  • Strong background in Model-Based Design (Simulink, MATLAB) and code generation for embedded systems, especially in aerospace or safety-critical domains.
  • Skilled in developing data analysis tools and dashboards (Python, SQL) to visualize simulation results and flight test data.

📝 Tips for Applying to Archer

1

Highlight specific experience with DevOps for GNC or simulation-heavy projects, not just general DevOps roles.

2

Emphasize any work with electric aircraft, UAVs, or other electric propulsion systems to show domain alignment.

3

Detail your experience with Model-Based Design and code generation, particularly Simulink and Embedded Coder.

4

Mention any familiarity with DO-178C or other aerospace certification standards, as Archer is working toward certification.

5

Tailor your resume to show measurable impact, e.g., 'Reduced simulation runtime by 40% through cloud optimization'.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for sustainable aviation and how your DevOps skills can accelerate Archer's mission.", 'Specific examples of building CI/CD pipelines for simulation and testing in a safety-critical environment.', 'Experience with large-scale data analysis and visualization tools that enable rapid iteration on GNC algorithms.', 'Collaboration with cross-functional teams (avionics, software) to define code interfaces and integrate systems.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Archer's latest press releases and technical blog posts about their eVTOL aircraft development milestones.
  • → Understand the certification process for eVTOL aircraft (FAA Part 23/25, EASA SC-VTOL) and how simulation/testing supports it.
  • → Review Archer's approach to Model-Based Design and any public documentation on their flight software architecture.
  • → Look into Archer's culture and values, especially their emphasis on diversity and inclusion, to align your application messaging.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you designed a cloud infrastructure for running thousands of simulations concurrently. What challenges did you face?
2 How do you approach setting up MIL/SIL/HIL testing pipelines? Can you walk through a specific implementation?
3 Explain how you would analyze and visualize results from a batch of 10,000 simulation runs to identify anomalies.
4 What experience do you have with Model-Based Design and automatic code generation? How do you ensure generated code is safe and efficient?
5 How do you stay updated on DevOps best practices in the aerospace industry? What tools do you recommend for our stack?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying without tailoring your resume to show relevant DevOps-for-simulation experience; generic DevOps resumes stand out negatively.
  • Ignoring the aerospace context: failing to mention safety-critical systems or certification awareness can hurt your candidacy.
  • Overlooking the importance of data analysis and visualization; this role requires turning simulation data into actionable insights.

📅 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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