Flight Test Engineer

Posted 10 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
2 Locations
In-Office
107K-174K Annually
Entry level
Aerospace • Automotive • Transportation
The Role
Develops and executes experimental and certification flight tests for CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft. Responsibilities include test planning, flight readiness reviews, crewmember test execution, real-time monitoring, data analysis, troubleshooting, certification support, flight documentation, configuration management, and reporting findings. Collaborates with multidisciplinary engineering teams and supports safe, efficient flight operations. The role requires at least 30% travel and may involve extended hours.
Summary Generated by Built In
Company Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed flight test plans for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing as a crewmember, and test data analysis. The role involves planning and execution of both development and certification flight testing. Flight testing at Joby Aviation is very fast-paced, and we are looking for an individual who can work with system designers to develop test procedures, deal with frequently changing test scenarios, and lead/follow effectively. This role can be based at our Flight Test Headquarters at Marina, CA, or at our secondary flight test facility in Hollister, CA.

Responsibilities
  • Develop test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles from experimental development through certification flight test
  • Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysis 
  • Conducts engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables
  • Coordinates with other engineering groups to ensure input from subject matter experts informs test planning and test execution
  • Works as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests
  • Reports on completed tests including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations
  • Advises the flight test pilot of nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness
  • Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test
  • Completes administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation
  • Assists with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing
  • Develops flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate the vehicles in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices
  • Other duties as assigned or required
Required
  • Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training
  • Previous experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines 
  • Strong technical and analytical skills
  • Must be able to work both independently and on a team and be able to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently
  • At least 30% travel required

Desired
  • FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience
  • Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar 
  • Civil aircraft certification experience including use of ARP 4754 processes for requirements and FAA AC 23-8C or AC 27-1B for flight test
  • Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL and fly-by-wire
  • Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member
  • Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C


Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $107,400 - $174,000/yr. The compensation package offered will be determined by location, 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


Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or another technical field, or equivalent experience and training
  • Previous experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across technical disciplines
  • Strong technical and analytical skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Proficiency in spoken and written English
  • At least 30% travel availability
  • Flight Test Engineer graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on-the-job experience
  • Data analysis experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar tools
  • Civil aircraft certification experience, including ARP 4754, FAA AC 23-8C, or FAA AC 27-1B
  • Experimental flight test experience involving VTOL, STOVL, or fly-by-wire aircraft
  • Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member experience
  • Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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The Company
HQ: Santa Cruz, CA
946 Employees
Year Founded: 2009

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.

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