Flight Test Instrumentation Technician Hardware

Frontdoor Defense; California; On-site; USD 61,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) with company match

Employee stock purchase plan

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

Joby Aviation seeks a Flight Test Instrumentation Technician to install and maintain flight-test instrumentation and ground control systems for VTOL electric aircraft. The role involves design, fabrication, installation, calibration, and troubleshooting of instrumentation and data acquisition hardware during flight tests, with on-site responsibilities in Marina, CA.

Requirements include 4–6 years in the field, sensor installation and cable management experience, and the ability to read

Qualifications

• Experience with sensor installations and cable management.
• 4-6 years of relevant experience.
• High school diploma.
• Ability to understand and interpret engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Hands-on machine shop skills using lathe, mill, sheet metal breaks, welder, and other equipment.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, construction and fabrication of Flight Test Instrumentation and Ground Control Stations equipment.
• Technical maintenance, rework and repair of Flight Test Instrumentation and Ground Control Station equipment.
• Installation, removal, modification, troubleshooting and calibration of Flight Test Instrumentation and Ground Control Station equipment.
• Fabrication of cable harnesses, soldering, crimping and wire terminations between sensors, data acquisition units and test equipment.
• Management of onboard and Ground Control Station software and instrumentation configuration.
• Participate in experimental flight testing as a ground crew member.
• Perform other tasks associated with operation of flight test aircraft and ground control station.
• Observe all laws, regulations and obligations wherever business is conducted.

Skills

Sensor installations

Cable management

Problem solving

Communication skills

Engineering drawings interpretation

Hands-on/Practical skills

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline

Tools

NI Hardware (cDAQ & c series modules)

Python

Soldering

Job description

Flight Test Instrumentation Technician

Install and maintain flight-test instrumentation and ground control systems during flight tests

Location: Marina, California

Compensation: $44 - 52 USD / hour

About The Role

Joby Aviation Instrumentation Technician

Joby is seeking an instrumentation technician to help develop, improve, and maintain data acquisition hardware and processes for the installation of flight test instrumentation for Joby's VTOL electric aircraft. The Joby Aviation team is made up of extremely talented, hardworking, proactive, and hands‑on individuals, operating in a fast‑paced and rewarding environment. We are looking to expand this team with like‑minded individuals looking to make a mark in the transportation industry.

Responsibilities include:

• Design, construction and fabrication of Joby Flight Test Instrumentation and Ground Control Stations equipment
• Technical maintenance, rework and repair of Flight Test Instrumentation and Ground Control Station equipment
• Installation, removal, modification, troubleshooting and calibration of Flight Test Instrumentation and Ground Control Station equipment
• Fabrication of cable harnesses, soldering, crimping and wire terminations between sensors, data acquisition units and test equipment
• Management of onboard and Ground Control Station software and instrumentation configuration
• Participate in experimental flight testing as a ground crew member
• Perform other tasks associated with operation of flight test aircraft and ground control station which include ground operations, antenna operations, preflight items, ramp marshaling duties, cleaning, and organizing
• Perform other administrative tasks for the flight test department
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company

Required:

• Experience with sensor installations and cable management
• 4-6 years of relevant experience
• High school diploma
• Ability to understand and interpret engineering drawings and work instructions
• Hands‑on machine shop skills using lathe, mill, sheet metal breaks, welder, and other machine shop equipment
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
• Hands‑on attitude with analytical background

Desired:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline
• Experience with NI Hardware, specifically cDAQ and c series modules
• Experience with software development using Python or another scripting language
• Experience with high voltage electronics
• Experience testing aircraft composite structures
• Experience testing aircraft mechanical systems
• Aerospace and rapid prototyping experience

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $44-$52/hr. 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.

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer