Flight Test Engineering Lead

Joby Aviation; California (MO); On-site; USD 188,000 - 242,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) plan with company match

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Joby Aviation is seeking a Flight Test Engineer Lead in California to manage and lead a team of flight test engineers. The role involves developing flight test strategies, coordinating with engineering groups, and ensuring safe execution of flight tests.

Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in a technical field and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. The compensation package includes base pay and stock options.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experimental flight test experience as Flight Test Engineer.
• Must read and speak English proficiently.
• Ability to work independently and on teams, extended hours and travel required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of up to 10 flight test engineers.
• Manage flight test program and develop test programs.
• Coordinate with engineering groups for test planning.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Technical analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Matlab

Python

Job description

Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer Lead to join our flight test team. This role presents a unique opportunity to lead a highly talented team of flight test engineers while utilizing a wide range of knowledge and skill, including developing detailed flight test plans for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing as a crewmember, and analyzing test data. The role involves developing flight test program strategies as well as execution of both development and certification flight testing. Flight testing at Joby Aviation is fast-paced, and we are looking for an individual who can work with system designers to develop test procedures, adapt to frequently changing test scenarios, and lead or follow effectively. Previous experience and/or training as a Flight Test Engineer is required. While the flight test team is based in Marina, CA, opportunities exist for deployment missions around the world. Successful candidates relocating to the Marina area will initially be required to support regular short-duration deployments to Edwards AFB.

Responsibilities

• As a people manager, lead a team of up to 10 flight test engineers, providing mentorship and managerial support.
• As a technical leader, manage the flight test program in the assigned technical/operational areas.
• Collaborate with fellow leads in the Flight Test team to implement and improve flight test processes.
• Develop test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles from experimental development through certification flight test.
• Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysis.
• Conduct engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables.
• Coordinate with other engineering groups to ensure input from subject matter experts informs test planning and test execution.
• Work as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests.
• Report on completed tests including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations.
• Advise the flight test pilot of the nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test.
• Complete administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation.
• Assist with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing.
• Develop flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate the vehicles in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Required

• Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training.
• A minimum of 10 years experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines.
• Strong technical and analytical skills.
• Must be able to work both independently and on a team and be able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Read and speak English proficiently.
• At least 30% travel required.

Desired

• Experience in managing a technical team is highly desired.
• FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience.
• Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar.
• Civil aircraft certification experience including use of ARP 4754 processes for requirements and FAA AC 23-8C or AC 27-1B for flight test.
• Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL and fly-by-wire.
• Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member.
• Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C.

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $188,000 - $242,000/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 Aviation is an equal opportunity employer.