Core Software Services Lead

Joby Aviation Inc; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 183,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) match

RSUs

ESPP

Job summary

Joby Aviation Inc in Santa Cruz, CA seeks a lead embedded software and avionics engineer to guide development for new aircraft configurations and autonomy solutions. The role blends hands-on technical work with light management to keep the team productive and aligned with Flight Research goals.

You will drive software architecture, integration, and test frameworks while mentoring a small cross-disciplinary team in a fast-paced environment. A strong command of C++, Python, and Git is required.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to balance leadership, management, and direct technical contribution.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead 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.

Skills

C++

Python

Real-time embedded

Leadership

Git

Tools

Bazel

Rust

Job description

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'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.

Responsibilities

• Lead 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.

Required

• Proven 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.

Desired

• Experience 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 Rust

Compensation 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 Information

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.