Archer Aviation Expands to Munich, Recruits Former Lilium Engineers

Archer Aviation has officially opened a new office in Munich as part of its European expansion strategy. The California-based eVTOL company is also bringing onboard engineers from the recently insolvent German competitor, Lilium. CEO Adam Goldstein announced the move on LinkedIn, emphasizing Archer’s commitment to securing top-tier talent.

Image: Archer

Goldstein’s post received largely positive industry reactions and underscored the ongoing shifts in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector. The expansion also highlights the growing divide between the US and European eVTOL markets.

“Hardware is complex and capital-intensive,” Goldstein stated. “As the industry matures, we’re seeing consolidation. Some of Lilium’s best engineers are now joining Archer, and we’re excited to continue growing our European presence with our new Munich office.”

However, Goldstein also pointed to Europe’s struggles in the sector, commenting, “It’s unfortunate that Europe couldn’t figure out this industry, but the best talent will find a home at Archer.”

Germany’s Foreign Talent Dilemma: Slow Bureaucracy and Unpaid Wages

Lilium’s collapse has left many of its international employees in limbo, raising serious concerns about Germany’s ability to attract and retain global talent. The company had recruited engineers and specialists from around the world, many of whom relocated to Germany with the promise of stability. Now, former employees are voicing their frustration, as uncertainty looms over when—if ever—they will receive their unpaid salaries.

Germany has been actively working to attract foreign talent to address its skilled labor shortages, but cases like Lilium’s insolvency highlight potential risks for international workers. The country’s slow bureaucratic processes only add to the uncertainty, leaving affected employees stuck in legal and financial limbo.

This raises critical questions: Can highly skilled foreign workers trust that a move to Germany will offer them long-term security? If companies face financial trouble, are there enough protections in place to ensure employees aren’t left stranded? And with other European tech and aerospace firms also struggling, will these challenges deter global talent from choosing Germany as their next career destination?