Flight Research Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Joby Aviation; California; On-site; USD 153,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Healthcare benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)

Disability coverage

Life insurance

Job summary

Joby Aviation in California is seeking a skilled senior embedded software engineer to develop cutting‑edge flight automation systems. The role involves designing and testing embedded systems for safety-critical applications, working in a fast‑paced environment, and delivering high-impact results.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in real-time systems, fluency in C/C++/Python, and experience with embedded Linux. Compensation ranges from $153,000 to $245,000 annually, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in designing and implementing embedded software.
• Strong portfolio or relevant industry experience required.
• Understanding of electrical hardware roles in embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to platform software development for safety‑critical embedded systems.
• Define and implement triplex compute platform software architecture.
• Design and build tools to advance HIL/SIL simulation and automated testing capabilities.

Skills

Fluency in C

Fluency in C++

Fluency in Python

Experience with safety‑critical software systems

Embedded Linux platforms

Communication protocols

Education

Bachelor's degree +8 years experience; Master's degree + 6 years experience; PhD + 3 years experience

University degree in electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, mechatronics, physics, mathematics

Tools

Test equipment (logic analyzers, oscilloscopes)

Bazel build system

Job description

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 skilled senior embedded software engineer to play a pivotal role in the development of cutting‑edge flight automation systems and novel aircraft configurations. The engineer will contribute to design, bring‑up, and testing for new embedded systems and devices, including simplex and triplex compute platforms. The individual will also contribute heavily to software and hardware in the loop simulation and test harness development. We're looking for someone who thrives in fast‑paced environments, takes full ownership, and consistently delivers high‑impact results.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to platform software development for safety‑critical embedded systems.
• Help define and implement triplex compute platform software architecture.
• Design and build tools, frameworks, and infrastructure to advance HIL/SIL simulation and automated testing capabilities.
• Apply expertise in real‑time Linux and compute systems to harden embedded systems, time synchronization, inter‑compute system communications, and communication with peripheral devices.
• Integrate peripheral devices into the embedded flight software stack using communication protocols such as I2C, CAN, SPI, UART, etc.

Required

• Bachelor's degree +8 years experience; Master's degree + 6 years experience; PhD + 3 years experience.
• University degree in electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, mechatronics, physics, mathematics, or similar field; or, a strong portfolio of designed and implemented embedded software, or relevant industry experience.
• Fluency in C, C++, Python, and Git.
• Demonstrated experience with safety‑critical software systems.
• Experience with embedded Linux platforms.
• Understanding of communication protocols, and the roles played by electrical hardware in embedded systems.

US Person Compliance

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 using test equipment such as logic analyzers and oscilloscopes.
• Experience with the Rust programming language.
• Aerospace related work experience.
• Familiarity with the Bazel build system.
• Prior experience with continuous integration for automated hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing.
• Familiar with writing efficient, hardware‑accelerated code (e.g., SIMD, GPU, or FPGA), especially for digital signal processing applications.

Compensation

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $153,000 - $245,000/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits

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.