Mechanical Engineer Intern

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.

This internship is a part of a 10-week full-time summer internship program opportunity. This role will be based at Archer’s headquarters in San Jose, California and relocation or housing will not be provided.

Join the Archer power electronics engineering team for an immersive experience in mechanical design for high-performance power electronics. This role is designed for students who want to bridge the gap between classroom theory and industrial application. You will work alongside senior mentors to develop mechanical solutions for complex systems, from initial CAD concepts to prototype testing.

What You’ll Do:

• Design & CAD Development
• CAD Mastery: Learn to create and manage complex models, 2D drawings, and assemblies using Siemens NX.
• Documentation: Assist in controlling drawing and model releases through the formal change control process.
• Concept Refinement: Contribute to brainstorming sessions and help refine design concepts for next-generation products.
• Analysis & Risk Mitigation
• Reliability Engineering: Gain exposure to risk management by assisting in the development of DFMEA and PFMEA to identify and minimize project risks.
• Data-Driven Design: Support design decisions by performing foundational engineering calculations and analysis (e.g., thermal, structural, or tolerance analysis).
• Hands-on Prototyping & Testing
• Test Fixtures: Design, assemble, and debug test fixtures to evaluate the performance of mechanical and electromechanical components.
• Validation: Develop testing methods and execute performance tests on assembly prototypes to inform future design iterations.
• Professional Collaboration
• Cross-Functional Interaction: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide task updates and participate in peer-to-peer design reviews.
• Manufacturing & Supply Chain: Communicate with suppliers on technical specifications and coordinate with manufacturing to support Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Culminating Presentation: Cap off your internship by presenting a key project and your "lessons learned" to the wider organization.
  
  
  

What You Need:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Foundational knowledge of engineering principles and a strong interest in power electronics.
• Basic proficiency with 3D CAD software (experience with Siemens NX is a major plus).
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  
  
  

Summer 2026 Internship Program Details:

• This internship is a part of a 10-week full-time summer internship program opportunity. Program dates are:
• May 26, 2026 - July 31, 2026
• June 15, 2026 - August 21, 2026
• *We will not be able to accommodate interns outside of these two program dates.
  
  
• This role will be based at Archer in San Jose, CA
• Relocation and housing will not be provided.
  
  

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. 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.

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 people@archer.com. 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 People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.