Sr Director Program Management

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.

Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

The Sr. Director, Program Management will lead complex, cross-functional programs building our aircraft. This role requires deep technical acumen, exceptional leadership, and the ability to drive initiatives from concept to launch while ensuring alignment with business goals. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage ambiguity, and possesses a track record of delivering high-impact programs in the hardware industry.

What you’ll do:

• Lead end-to-end program management for hardware development projects, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality execution.
• Define program scope, objectives, and success metrics while aligning with engineering, product management, operations, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and drive detailed project plans, roadmaps, and risk management strategies to ensure program success.
• Act as the primary point of contact for executive leadership, providing regular status updates and driving alignment on key initiatives.
• Foster collaboration across multiple teams, including hardware engineering, software, supply chain, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
• Identify and mitigate risks by proactively addressing technical, operational, and business challenges.
• Partner with product and engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of hardware and software components.
• Drive continuous improvement in program execution methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Manage external vendors, suppliers, and partners as necessary to support program goals.
• Champion a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and accountability.

What you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in program management, with at least 5 years in the hardware technology industry.
• Proven track record of successfully leading large-scale, cross-functional programs.
• Strong understanding of hardware product lifecycle, from concept to mass production.
• Experience working with engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and operations teams.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven mindset.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., JIRA, Asana, Smartsheet, Microsoft Project).

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at [email protected]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit 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 proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to [email protected]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.