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.
OverviewJoby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Senior Flight Test Engineer (Technical Expert) 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 Headcourters at Marina, CA, or at our secondary flight test facility in Hollister, CA.
Responsibilities- Lead the execution of development, company, and certification flight testing of Joby S4 aircraft:
- Develop flight test methods for our new and novel eVTOL aircraft to show compliance to FAA's airworthiness criteria as an expert in the assigned technical area(s) (Flying Qualities, Handling Qualities, aircraft systems, propulsion, avionics, and/or human factors),
- Responsibilities also include flight test planning, flight test readiness reviews, flight test support as part of the flight test crew, real-time data monitoring, and post-flight reporting.
- Develop flight test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles, from experimental development through certification flight test, with focus on assigned technical areas.
- Collaborate with test pilots and other engineering groups across the company to develop flight test plans and ensure safe and effective test execution.
- Advise flight test pilots of the nature of the data to inform real-time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
- Conduct engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables.
- Report on completed tests, including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations.
- Complete administrative work associated with testing, including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management, and test card creation.
- Assist with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing.
- Develop expert-level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test.
- Develop flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary for safe vehicle operation in accordance with established operating procedures.
- Other duties as assigned or required.
- Passion for flight testing and willingness to learn about our new and novel aircraft.
- Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training.
- Minimum of 8 years of experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer.
- Expert-level knowledge in one or more of the technical areas, including familiarity with FAA AC 23-8C, AC 27-1B, and other applicable industry standards:
- Flying Qualities and Handling Qualities
- Performance
- Loads and flutter
- Aircraft systems and/or propulsion
- Avionics
- Human factors
- Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate across a wide range of technical disciplines.
- Strong technical and analytical skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Proficiency in reading and speaking English.
- Flexibility to work extended hours and travel up to 30%
- FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience.
- Experience as a Test Conductor.
- Working experience with data analysis tools such as Matlab, Python, or similar.
- Civil aircraft certification experience, including familiarity with ARP 4754 processes.
- Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL with fly-by-wire systems.
- Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member.
- Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C.
Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $154,600 - $206,100/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.
Additional Information
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another technical field, or equivalent experience and training
- At least 8 years of experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer
- Expert-level knowledge in one or more areas including flying qualities, handling qualities, performance, loads and flutter, aircraft systems, propulsion, avionics, or human factors
- Familiarity with FAA AC 23-8C, FAA AC 27-1B, and other applicable industry standards
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across technical disciplines
- Strong technical and analytical skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Proficiency in reading and speaking English
- Flexibility to work extended hours and travel up to 30%
- Graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on-the-job experience
- Experience as a Test Conductor
- Experience with data analysis tools such as MATLAB or Python
- Civil aircraft certification experience, including familiarity with ARP 4754 processes
- Experimental flight test experience involving VTOL or STOVL aircraft with fly-by-wire systems
- 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.
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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.
