Flight Research Embedded Systems Lead

XWING; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)

PTO

Job summary

Joby’s Flight Research group seeks a talented embedded software and avionics lead to guide development for new aircraft and autonomy applications. The role blends hands-on coding with light leadership to keep the team productive and aligned with integration paths.

You will mentor a small cross‑functional team, shape architecture choices, and drive test frameworks, HWIL/STIL testing, and tool decisions, while delivering robust, safety-critical systems for agile programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in a related field plus 8 years experience or Master's in related field plus 6 years experience.
• 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 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 software trade studies, architecture choices, and tool decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on milestone execution, vehicle bring-up, and integration.
• Contribute to software architecture and codebase while supporting robust, reliable solutions.
• Design and drive development of embedded systems test frameworks including automated testing and hardware-in-the-loop testing.

Skills

C++

Python

Git

Real-time embedded

Hardened Linux

Leadership

Safety-critical

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Bazel

Rust

Job description

Flight Research Embedded Systems Lead

Job Locations: US-CA-Santa Cruz

ID: 2026-4999

Category: Flight Physics

Type: Regular Full-Time

Company Overview

Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations.

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

• Bachelor's in a related field + 8 years experience or Master's in a related field + 6 years experience.
• 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 ($XX-$XX/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.