Flight Test Instrumentation Systems Lead

Company Overview 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. Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a highly motivated Flight Test Instrumentation Systems Lead to lead our Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) & Ground Control Station teams. This role combines technical leadership and people management in a fast-paced flight test environment supporting both developmental and certification programs.You will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for the design, integration, operation, and maintenance of instrumentation, telemetry, and ground control stations across the flight test fleet. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong cross-functional collaboration, technical depth, and the ability to execute and lead in rapidly evolving test environments. Responsibilities Lead, mentor, and grow a team of engineers and technicians responsible for FTI, telemetry, and Ground Control StationsEstablish team priorities, workflows, and staffing plans aligned with flight test program needsFoster a culture of safety, accountability, and technical excellenceOwn the architecture, design, integration, and maintenance of all flight test instrumentation systemsOversee data acquisition systems, sensors, signal conditioning, telemetry, and onboard recording systemsEnsure instrumentation readiness, calibration, and reliability for all flight test operationsPlan and manage FTI schedules, budgets, and resource allocation across multiple test campaigns Drive coordination across flight test engineering, aircraft integration, maintenance, systems engineering and the program officeDevelop and maintain processes for design, installation, configuration control, calibration, and maintenance of FTI systemsEnsure traceability and compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements (FAA/EASA)Guide the design of development of hardware and software solutions supporting flight test instrumentation and telemetryEvaluate and integrate new technologies and tools to improve data quality, efficiency, and scalabilityProvide technical oversight for troubleshooting, anomaly resolution, and root cause investigations Required Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field10+ years of experience in flight test instrumentation, data acquisition, or related domainsProven experience leading and developing technical teams in a flight test environmentDeep expertise in one or more of the following:Flight Test Instrumentation systems design and integrationData acquisition hardware, telemetry systems, and sensor integrationInstrumentation installation, calibration, and maintenanceStrong understanding of:Flight test processes and aircraft integrationConfiguration management and documentation practicesData quality, validation, and traceability in test environmentsExcellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skillsAbility to operate effectively in a fast-paced, rapidly changing flight test environment Desired Experience with LabVIEW or similar DAQ/software toolsExperience supporting FAA Part 23/25/27/29 or EASA certification programsKnowledge of air data systems and calibration methodsFamiliarity with aircraft wiring, avionics integration, and structural instrumentation (strain, pressure, vibration)Experience with Ground Control Stations and telemetry infrastructureDemonstrated success scaling teams and processes during rapid program growth Additional Information Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $171,200 - $234,300/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 EmployerCompensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $171,200 - $234,300/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 EmployerJob SummaryID: 2026-4993Category: Flight TestType: Regular Full-Time