Flight Research Senior Embedded Software Engineer

XWING; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 153,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Joby Flight Research in Santa Cruz/Concord, CA is seeking a senior embedded software engineer to advance flight automation systems. You will contribute to platform software for safety-critical embedded systems and help define triplex compute platform software architecture.

The role requires deep experience in C/C++, Python, and Git, with hands-on work in real-time Linux, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and integration of peripherals via I2C/CAN/SPI/UART.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

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.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Git

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Computer Science / Computer Engineering / Mechatronics / Physics / Mathematics

Job description

Flight Research Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Job Locations: US-CA-Santa Cruz | US-CA-Concord

Job ID: 2026-5127, Category: Flight Research, 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.