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.
OverviewJoby Aviation’s flight research team is looking for a passionate Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will be a part of the design and integration process across the Autonomy Systems. This is a position that provides the engineer a chance to interact with many of the key teams and disciplines within the company. This role will be responsible for leading the development and certification of mechanical installations of systems and the design of mechanical subsystems to ensure successful design validation and verification. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will work closely with the Systems, Hardware, and GNC teams to ensure that the avionics systems meet the program's needs.
This position requires a solid understanding of aircraft systems, system integration, and industry-specific certification processes for mechanical systems. This position also requires a solid background in mechanical systems and a willingness to learn, enabling one to understand the complex trade-offs involved in mechanical system design, both within Avionics and across the entire aircraft system.
Location: Concord, CA
Responsibilities- Own the design of assemblies and systems, taking ideas from the conceptual stage through to installation on an autonomous aircraft
- Package custom electronics with complex interfaces, adequate thermal performance, and reliability in harsh environments
- Draft engineering drawings and create work instructions for complex assemblies, collaborating with technicians during tests and integration
- Interface with internal and external partners to source and produce parts
- Collaborate with other stakeholders (e.g. GNC, electrical, flight test engineers, test pilots) throughout all stages of the design
- B.S. in mechanical engineering or another relevant discipline
- 5+ years of working experience in relevant industry, with examples of both hands-on rapid prototyping and production projects
- Expertise in part design using CAD tools and generation of manufacturing drawings using standards such as ASME Y14.5
- Experience with designing to comply with regulatory requirements and qualification tests such as those within 14 CFR Part 23 and RTCA DO-160
- Proficiency in design of metallic and composite assemblies
- Experience with design analysis and optimization using finite element tools
- The most important traits at Joby are a positive attitude towards the project, a strong work ethic, and the ability to self-manage and learn new skills. Forward thinking and the ability to adapt quickly to a fast-paced environment are essential
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.
Desired- M.S./Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or another relevant discipline
- Experience with Dassault Systemes CAD, specifically using Sheet Metal Design, Generative Shape Design, Part Design, and Assembly Design
- Experience with designing for manufacturability such as evaluating manufacturing tolerances
- Experience working with aerodynamic structures
- Experience with simulating thermals and cooling dynamics
- Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team on performance sensitivities affecting design decisions
Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $155,700 - $187,610/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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a relevant discipline
- 5+ years of relevant industry experience
- Experience with hands-on rapid prototyping and production projects
- Expertise in part design using CAD tools
- Experience generating manufacturing drawings using standards such as ASME Y14.5
- Experience designing to regulatory requirements and qualification tests including 14 CFR Part 23 and RTCA DO-160
- Proficiency designing metallic and composite assemblies
- Experience with design analysis and optimization using finite element tools
- Positive attitude, strong work ethic, self-management, adaptability, and willingness to learn
- Master’s or Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or a relevant discipline
- Experience with Dassault Systèmes CAD, including Sheet Metal Design, Generative Shape Design, Part Design, and Assembly Design
- Experience designing for manufacturability and evaluating manufacturing tolerances
- Experience working with aerodynamic structures
- Experience simulating thermal and cooling dynamics
- Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams on performance sensitivities affecting design decisions
- 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.









