Embedded Flight Software 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

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.