Flight Test Engineering Lead

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 Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer Lead to join our flight test team. This role presents a unique opportunity to lead a highly talented team of flight test engineers while utilizing a wide range of knowledge and skill, including developing detailed flight test plans for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing as a crewmember, and analyzing test data. The role involves developing flight test program strategies as well as 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. Previous experience and/or training as a Flight Test Engineer is required. While the flight test team is based in Marina, CA & Hollister, CA, opportunities exist for various deployment missions around the world. Successful candidates relocating to the Marina or Hollister area will initially be required to support regular short-duration deployments.ResponsibilitiesAs a people manager, lead a team of up to 10 flight test engineers, providing mentorship and managerial support.As a technical leader, manage the flight test program in the assigned technical/operational areas.Collaborate with fellow leads in the Flight Test team to implement/improve flight test processes.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 the 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.RequiredBachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training.A minimum of 10 years 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 requiredDesiredExperience in managing a technical team is highly 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.Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $188,000 - $242,000/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. Job SummaryID: 2026-4946Category: Flight TestType: Regular Full-Time