Core Software Services Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with match

ESPP

PTO

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

Joby is seeking a Core Software Services Lead in Santa Cruz to head embedded flight software and compute solutions for new aircraft and autonomy applications. The role blends hands-on coding with light management to keep the team productive and aligned with integration milestones.

You will mentor a multi-disciplinary team (embedded, electrical, avionics), drive architecture trade studies, and collaborate with GNC, Flight Test, and Hardware groups.

Qualifications

• 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.

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

Embedded leadership

Real-time embedded

C++

Python

Git

RT Linux

Tools

Bazel

Rust

Job description

Core Software Services Lead

Job Locations: US-CA-Santa Cruz

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’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.