Mechanical Engineering Intern, Electric Propulsion

Job Description

About Archer Aviation:

Archer is an innovative aerospace company based in San Jose, California, at the forefront of sustainable air mobility. We are dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Our mission is to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility by creating an aircraft capable of carrying four passengers with minimal noise. We believe in setting high sights and tackling hard problems, recognizing that diversity, equity, and inclusion are crucial drivers for smarter insights, better solutions, and ultimate success. We are committed to cultivating an environment that embraces differences and celebrates all team members.

Summer 2026 Internship Opportunity – Mechanical Engineering Intern, Electric Propulsion

This is a 10-week, full-time summer internship program opportunity for aspiring engineers. The role will be based at Archer’s headquarters in San Jose, California. Please note that relocation or housing will not be provided for this internship.

Archer is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented intern to join our high-performing Electric Propulsion team. This internship offers a unique hands-on opportunity to gain practical experience in the cutting-edge field of electric aviation. You will play a vital role in supporting the design, development, and validation of Archer’s high-performance electric propulsion units. This involves bridging the gap between digital design and physical hardware, contributing directly to the optimization of the electric motor, gearbox, and tilt mechanism assemblies to meet critical flight-critical safety and weight targets.

What You’ll Do:

• Component Design: Engage in the design and 3D CAD modeling of complex mechanical components for electric motors and gearboxes. This includes developing housings, structural components, cooling jackets, stator, and rotor assemblies, with a strong focus on mass optimization and manufacturability.
• Engineering Documentation: Generate precise 2D component drawings and comprehensive assembly instructions. You will utilize Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) standards (ASME Y14.5) to ensure components are manufactured and assembled correctly to specification.
• Test Equipment Development: Contribute to the design, 3D modeling, and sourcing of parts for custom test stands, essential for validating propulsion sub-systems through ground testing.
• Test Execution: Provide hands-on assistance with the setup and execution of development tests. This involves installing sensors, running test scripts, and meticulously monitoring safety limits during operation.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Post-process raw testing data to thoroughly evaluate performance against predictions. You will author clear and concise technical reports to document results, identify failures, and provide recommendations for design improvements.
• Prototyping & Assembly: Support the physical build, integration, and teardown of prototype propulsion units. You will collaborate closely with technicians to identify assembly issues and actively work to improve serviceability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work effectively with various engineering teams, including thermal, magnetic, and manufacturing engineering, to ensure designs meet multi-disciplinary requirements and adhere to aggressive project timelines.

What You Need:

• Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Mechatronics, and entering your 2nd or 3rd year of study.
• CAD Proficiency: Demonstrated strong experience with parametric 3D CAD modeling software (e.g., Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or CATIA). Experience with Siemens NX is a distinct plus.
• Drawing Standards: Fundamental understanding of technical drawing creation and familiarity with GD&T (ASME Y14.5) concepts.
• Data Processing: Basic proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or advanced Excel for efficiently parsing test data and generating plots/graphs.
• Hands-on Experience: Practical experience with physical prototyping, such as 3D printing, manual machining (mill/lathe), or active participation in university competition teams (e.g., FSAE, Solar Car, Rocketry).
• Engineering Fundamentals: A solid understanding of core mechanical engineering concepts, including statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, and basic thermodynamics.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly document complex technical work for a diverse audience.
• Curiosity & Drive: A demonstrated passion for aviation, electric vehicles, or clean technology, coupled with a proactive willingness to learn and thrive in a fast-paced, startup-like environment.

Summer 2026 Internship Program Details:

• This is a 10-week full-time summer internship program.
• Program dates are strictly:
  • May 26, 2026 – July 31, 2026 OR
  • June 15, 2026 – August 21, 2026
• We are unable to accommodate interns outside of these two program date options.
• This role will be based at Archer’s headquarters in San Jose, CA.
• Relocation and housing will not be provided.

Compensation:

For this position, we are targeting a base pay between $25.00 – $35.00 per hour. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Important Notes:

• This job description provides a general overview and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.
• Archer is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants requiring accommodation should contact Archer’s People Team at people@archer.com.
• Information collected during job applications is subject to Archer’s Candidate Privacy Policy.
• Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.
• Archer is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusivity. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without discrimination based on protected characteristics.

Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement.