Application Guide

How to Apply for Staff Network Engineer

at Archer

🏢 About Archer

Archer is at the forefront of urban air mobility, developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to transform city transportation. Working here means contributing to a sustainable future and being part of a fast-paced, innovative team that blends aerospace with cutting-edge networking.

About This Role

As a Staff Network Engineer, you'll own the design, automation, and reliability of Archer's network across campuses, data centers, and cloud SD-WAN. Your work directly supports the development and production of eVTOL aircraft, ensuring seamless connectivity for engineering, manufacturing, and operations.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with monitoring dashboards for network health, then diving into an architecture review for a new site. You could spend the afternoon automating a repetitive task with Ansible, followed by troubleshooting a complex BGP issue escalated from the NOC. The role balances strategic design with hands-on engineering.

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🎯 Who Archer Is Looking For

  • An engineer with 10+ years of enterprise networking experience, specifically in multi-site hybrid environments including campus, data center, and SD-WAN.
  • Deep hands-on expertise with Palo Alto Networks (NGFW, Panorama, GlobalProtect, Prisma Access) and SD-WAN (Cisco/Velocloud) – not just theoretical knowledge.
  • Proven ability to drive network automation using Ansible, Python, and Terraform, with a track record of implementing infrastructure-as-code in production.
  • A strong foundation in routing/switching (BGP, OSPF, VXLAN/EVPN) and a passion for building scalable, observable networks.

📝 Tips for Applying to Archer

1

Highlight specific examples of leading network architecture reviews and driving design standards in multi-site environments.

2

Showcase your automation projects with quantifiable results (e.g., reduced provisioning time by X%, eliminated manual config errors).

3

Mention any experience with manufacturing or industrial networks, as Archer's facilities include production lines.

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize Palo Alto and SD-WAN expertise, including specific versions or features used.

5

Include a brief note on how your skills align with Archer's mission of sustainable urban mobility – even if indirectly.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with network automation and IaC (Ansible, Python, Terraform) and how it drives efficiency and reliability.', 'Proven ability to design and maintain complex hybrid networks (campus, DC, SD-WAN) and enforce standards.', 'Specific examples of troubleshooting complex network issues and serving as an escalation point.', "Enthusiasm for Archer's mission and how reliable networking supports aerospace innovation."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Understand Archer's eVTOL aircraft technology and current development milestones (e.g., Midnight aircraft).
  • → Read about Archer's manufacturing facility in Covington, GA, and any network requirements for production lines.
  • → Review Archer's partnerships (e.g., with United Airlines, Stellantis) that may impact network connectivity needs.
  • → Check recent news on Archer's FAA certifications and timeline to understand the company's growth phase.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Design a multi-site SD-WAN architecture with Palo Alto Prisma Access and Velocloud, including failover and QoS.
2 How would you migrate a legacy campus network to VXLAN/EVPN with zero downtime?
3 Describe a time you automated a network task with Ansible and Terraform; walk through the code and outcomes.
4 Explain your approach to network observability and monitoring at scale (tools, metrics, alerting).
5 Troubleshoot a scenario: users report intermittent connectivity across sites; BGP routes are flapping.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on theory without concrete examples of hands-on configuration and troubleshooting.
  • Overlooking automation – failing to mention Python, Ansible, or Terraform even if you have used them.
  • Not preparing for scenario-based questions – this role requires deep problem-solving under pressure.

📅 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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