Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations.
OverviewThe Autonomy Architect will own the systems architecture from designing roadmaps, developing Concept of Operations, to evaluating life-cycle costs for autonomy systems powering Joby’s existing and future aircraft.
Joby Aviation’s flight research team is looking for a passionate Systems Engineering Engineer to join our growing team. The Autonomy Architect will interact with many of the key teams and disciplines within the company. The architect will provide technical guidance and coordination across the Autonomy Systems.
This position requires a solid understanding of aircraft systems, system development, industry specific certification processes and air traffic management. This position requires enough background knowledge and a willingness to learn to enable one to understand the complex trade-offs involved in the system design both within Avionics and across the aircraft systems as a whole.
The most important traits at Joby are a positive attitude towards the project, strong work ethic, and being able to self-manage and learn new skills. Forward thinking and the ability to adapt quickly to a fast-paced environment are a must.
Location: Concord, CA or Santa Cruz, CA
Responsibilities- Work across the company to build the systems architecture and the roadmap for autonomy.
- Interfacing with other parts of the organization to understand and integrate existing and future technology stacks into viable architectures
- Provide strategic thinking to inform the company technology trajectory
- Research existing technologies and develop technology development roadmaps that meet regulations
- Develop Concept of Operations and evaluate their feasibility.
- Work with product development teams to identify the best suitable technology for our customers.
- Perform trade studies to guide the development and future upgrades of Joby’s aircraft.
- 8+ years of experience and Bachelors in related field.
- 6+ years of experience with Masters
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent ability to ingest, digest, and summarize information.
- Solid understanding of aircraft systems, system development, and industry-specific certification processes
- Positive attitude towards the project
- Strong work ethic
- Ability to self-manage and learn new skills
- Forward thinking and the ability to adapt quickly to a fast-paced environment
This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. “US Person” includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.
DesiredCompensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $203,800 - $309,000/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
Additional InformationJoby Aviation is an equal opportunity employer.
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Skills Required
- 8+ years of experience with a bachelor's degree in a related field, or 6+ years with a master's degree
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to ingest, digest, and summarize information
- Solid understanding of aircraft systems and systems development
- Understanding of industry-specific certification processes
- Positive attitude toward the project
- Strong work ethic
- Ability to self-manage and learn new skills
- Forward-thinking mindset and ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment
- Must qualify as a US Person under 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 for export control compliance
Joby Aviation Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Joby Aviation and has not been reviewed or approved by Joby Aviation.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing perks are positioned as a meaningful part of the total package, including free daily meals and access to an on-site gym. These amenities are portrayed as reducing day-to-day costs and friction, making the overall rewards feel richer for some roles and sites.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is described as comprehensive, including a 401(k) plan with a company match. Ownership-oriented savings options like an ESPP are also included alongside retirement benefits.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity participation is a prominent component of total rewards through RSUs and an ESPP, making upside potential a core part of compensation design. This structure is framed as especially attractive when equity is valued as part of overall pay competitiveness.
Joby Aviation Insights
What We Do
Joby is a California-based company building quiet, all-electric aircraft to connect people like never before. With up to 150 miles of range and the ability to take off and land vertically, the Joby aircraft will change the way we move while reducing the acoustic and climate footprint of flight.







