Senior Materials Engineer

Joby Aviation Materials EngineerJoby Aviation is seeking an experienced materials engineer to join our Additive Manufacturing team. You will own the full material lifecycle for AM metallic components—feedstock qualification through post-processing and failure analysis as a principal contributor to Joby's materials qualification program supporting eVTOL development, certification, and production. You are a self-starter with a strong command of microstructure-processing-properties relationships in aerospace alloys and thrive at the intersection of hands-on lab work and cross-functional collaboration.ResponsibilitiesPowder & Feedstock MaterialsOwn incoming qualification and lot acceptance of metallic feedstocks (PSD, morphology, chemistry, flowability, density)Develop and maintain feedstock control procedures aligned with AM process requirementsCharacterize powder degradation and establish reuse limits, blending protocols, and out-of-life criteriaManage powder suppliers: acceptance specs, source approvals, and non-conformancesSurface Finishing & Post-ProcessingDefine and qualify AM surface finishing: tumbling, vibratory finishing, electropolishing, chemical etching, shot peening, and precision machiningCharacterize surface roughness (Ra/Rz/Sa), residual stress, and sub-surface microstructure before and after finishingQualify coatings and surface treatments (anodize, hard coat, conversion coating, thermal spray, PVD/CVD) for corrosion, wear, and fatigue requirementsEstablish acceptance criteria and inspection methods for finished AM surfacesIdentify and qualify heat treatment processes for AM parts (stress relief, HIP, solution treat and age)Specifications, Suppliers & ComplianceInvestigate coupon and component-level failures; perform fracture analysis and drive corrective actionsAuthor material and process specifications covering feedstock, build parameters, post-processing, and acceptance criteriaSupport materials allowables and design-allowable data packages for FAA certificationPartner with stress, design, and quality on material inputs, qualification packages, and MRB dispositionsRequiredB.S. degree and 5+ years of industry experience in metallic materials characterization, processing, or manufacturing engineeringM.S degree and 3+ years of relevant industry experience as stated aboveWorking knowledge of metallic powder characteristics, handling, and qualificationFamiliarity with one or more metal AM processesExperience with common materials characterization techniques (e.g., microscopy, hardness, mechanical testing)Strong written and verbal communication; able to author specs and present to cross-functional stakeholdersAble to work independently in a fast-paced environment and meet program deadlines (onsite in Marina, CA)DesiredPh.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field of study5+ years in a controlled/certified manufacturing environment (AS9100, NADCAP, or equivalent)Hands-on with the full powder lifecycle: atomization, sieving, morphology, reuse qualification, and disposalPractical knowledge of AM surface finishing and its effect on fatigue life and dimensional complianceExperience with AM-specific defects: porosity, lack of fusion, keyhole voids, residual stress, and anisotropyFamiliarity with X-ray CT for AM defect and dimensional inspectionPrior experience authoring M&P specifications in regulated aerospace environmentsExposure to fatigue/fracture testing, allowables generation, or FAA certification data packagesAdditional InformationCompensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $100,100 - 149,700/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.Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.