Lead Engineer, Embedded at Archer
San Jose, CA
$150,000–$180,000from the description
Jul 19, 2026
San Jose, CA
Jul 21, 2026
What this job asks for AI summary
A hands-on technical leadership role focused on embedded hardware and software for an aviation-adjacent product. The engineer will own the full development lifecycle — from PCB schematic and mechanical enclosure design through firmware development on platforms like Raspberry Pi, all the way to production release. It suits someone with a track record of shipping embedded systems and the ability to set technical direction while mentoring others.
Senior level · National · Full-time
We read this from the posting text with AI. Skim the description below before ruling yourself out.
Why we read it this way (7)
The title 'Lead Engineer' carries no explicit seniority level word (Junior/Mid/Senior/Staff/Principal), so the title states no level; however, the scope — owning hardware and software end-to-end, setting technical direction, and mentoring others — clearly supports a Senior classification.
The role spans embedded hardware (PCB design, 3D CAD, mechanical enclosures) and firmware/software; 15-1252 Software Developers is the best fit given the firmware/software development emphasis, but 15-1299 (Computer Occupations, All Other) is a reasonable runner-up given the heavy hardware/EE component.
No work location is stated in the posting. Archer is headquartered in San Jose, CA, but no city or remote status is explicitly mentioned; location fields are left blank and remote is set to false as a conservative default.
PCB layout, schematic capture, DFM, and DFT appear in the 'What You'll Do' responsibilities section (not a requirements gate) and in the 'Bonus Qualifications' section — treated as preferred accordingly.
Aerospace, robotics, or safety-critical domain background is listed under Bonus Qualifications and is therefore preferred; it names no specific tool or technology and is omitted from the skills list per the generic-concept rule.
No degree requirement is stated anywhere in the posting.
Ignored 2 non-technology phrase(s) as skills (responsibilities/concepts, not named tools): PCB design, firmware development.
Read the full posting
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