Application Guide

How to Apply for Staff Software Engineer, Backend

at Archer

🏢 About Archer

Archer is at the forefront of urban air mobility, developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to revolutionize transportation. Working here means contributing to a sustainable future by building the infrastructure for electric air taxis and drone-based logistics.

About This Role

As a Staff Software Engineer, Backend, you will design and build the scalable cloud systems powering Archer's ride-sharing and airline operations. Your work on APIs, cloud-native apps, and system integrations directly enables safe, efficient flight operations and a seamless user experience.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a stand-up to discuss progress on backend services for flight scheduling, then dive into coding a new API endpoint using Python and AWS Lambda. After lunch, you might review a colleague's pull request, focusing on scalability and error handling, then spend the afternoon designing a DynamoDB schema for real-time fleet tracking, ending with a brainstorming session on infrastructure improvements.

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🎯 Who Archer Is Looking For

  • Has 7+ years of backend experience, with at least 3 years focused on high-availability, distributed systems.
  • Expert in Python, with deep knowledge of async programming, performance optimization, and testing.
  • Hands-on with AWS serverless (Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB) and containerized services (ECS/Fargate), plus infrastructure-as-code (Terraform/CDK).
  • Experienced in leading architectural decisions, conducting thorough code reviews, and mentoring junior engineers.

📝 Tips for Applying to Archer

1

Highlight specific AWS projects where you designed scalable, fault-tolerant systems (e.g., handling high traffic or real-time data).

2

In your resume, quantify impact: mention latency reductions, cost savings, or throughput improvements from your backend work.

3

Demonstrate experience with aviation or transportation tech (e.g., fleet management, real-time tracking) even if not directly required.

4

Tailor your cover letter to mention Archer's mission and how your backend work directly supports eVTOL operations.

5

Prepare a concise portfolio or GitHub repo with Python/AWS projects, especially if they involve event-driven architectures or infrastructure code.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your expertise in building scalable backend systems on AWS, with specific examples of Lambda, API Gateway, and DynamoDB.', 'Show how your experience with infrastructure-as-code (Terraform/CDK) ensures reliable, repeatable deployments.', "Connect your work to Archer's mission: how reliable backend systems are critical for flight safety and operational efficiency.", 'Mention your leadership in code reviews and mentoring, as the role involves guiding other engineers.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Archer's recent press releases and blog posts about their aircraft development and partnerships (e.g., with United Airlines).
  • → Understand the regulatory landscape for eVTOL operations (FAA certification, airspace integration) to grasp backend requirements.
  • → Review Archer's tech stack: they likely use AWS extensively; check their job postings for specific services mentioned.
  • → Look into their current operational platforms: ride-sharing app, airline operations system, and any open-source contributions.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Design a real-time flight tracking system using AWS services (e.g., Kinesis, Lambda, DynamoDB).
2 How would you architect a scalable ride-sharing API for eVTOL flights, considering fleet management and booking?
3 Discuss a time you optimized a Python application for high throughput or low latency.
4 Explain your approach to infrastructure-as-code: how do you manage state, secrets, and deployments with Terraform?
5 Given Archer's aviation context, how do you ensure data consistency and system reliability across distributed services?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic resume; tailor it to show AWS and Python expertise with aviation or logistics examples.
  • Avoid vague descriptions of your role; use specific metrics and technologies (e.g., 'Reduced API latency by 30% using DynamoDB DAX').
  • Don't ignore the importance of mentorship and code reviews; highlight these soft skills explicitly.

📅 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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