Core Software Services Lead (Santa Cruz)

Company OverviewImagine 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’s Flight Research group is looking for a talented, driven individual to lead embedded software and avionics development for innovative aircraft configurations and automation solutions. This role combines hands-on technical contribution with some light management responsibilities to keep the team organized and productive. The lead will be a key stakeholder in defining integration paths and fostering collaboration across Flight Research and Joby. As an agile, and cohesive team, we value initiative, adaptability, and the ability to work across a broad range of disciplines to sustain program momentum.ResponsibilitiesLead the design, development, and execution of embedded flight software and compute solutions for new aircraft and autonomy applications.Provide technical leadership and mentorship for a small, multi-disciplinary team (embedded, electrical, avionics).Drive critical software trade studies, architecture choices, and tool decisions.Collaborate with cross-functional teams (GNC, Flight Test, Aero, Hardware, Program, etc.) on milestone execution, vehicle bring-up, and integration.Contribute directly to the software architecture and codebase while supporting the team in delivering robust, reliable solutions.Design and drive development of embedded systems test frameworks including automated testing, hardware in the loop testing, and software in the loop testing.RequiredProven ability to balance leadership, management, and direct technical contribution in a fast-paced environment.Strong background in real-time, safety-critical embedded software development.Experience developing and integrating fit-to-purpose compute solutions.Experience with hardened/real time linux platforms.Expert-level in C++, Python, and Git.Track record of bringing complex products to market.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.DesiredExperience contributing to developer experience (DevX) workstreams, including CI/CD pipelines, and associated tooling to support a high-performing software team.Proven track record of leading agile software teams in robotics, ground vehicles, or aerospace applications in a fast-paced environment.Experience with the Bazel build system.Experience with RustCompensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $183,000 - $252,000/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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Job SummaryID: 2025-4312Category: Flight PhysicsType: Regular Full-Time