GCS & Flight Test Instrumentation Technician

Joby Aviation; California; On-site; USD 50,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Joby Aviation seeks a hands-on technician to develop, maintain, and improve flight test instrumentation and ground control stations across multiple test sites. You will fabricate hardware, install and troubleshoot systems linking aircraft to ground operations, and ensure mission-ready readiness for data collection used by design teams.

Ideal candidates have 4–6 years of relevant experience, strong interpretation of engineering drawings, and hands-on machining skills.

Qualifications

• Must have experience with sensor installations and cable management.
• 4–6 years of relevant experience required.
• High school diploma required; engineering degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain flight test instrumentation and ground control stations equipment.
• Perform maintenance, rework, repair, and calibration of instrumentation and GCS gear.
• Install, modify, and troubleshoot cabling between sensors and test equipment.
• Manage software/configuration for onboard and ground station instrumentation.
• Assist in experimental flight testing as ground crew.
• Support flight test department operations and safety compliance.

Skills

Sensor installations

Cable management

Engineering drawings interpretation

Machining knowledge

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Tools

NI Hardware cDAQ

Python scripting

Linux networking

Job description

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

Joby is seeking a hands-on technician to help develop, improve, and maintain our ground control stations, telemetry rooms, data acquisition hardware and flight test instrumentation for Joby’s eVTOL flight test aircraft fleet. You will fabricate and install hardware, configure and troubleshoot the communication and video systems that link our flight test vehicles to the ground, and keep this equipment mission-ready across multiple test sites. The equipment you maintain enables Joby to safely operate its flight test fleet and capture the data that feeds our design teams and supports certification of Joby's eVTOL 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

• 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, 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 networking, Linux, and IT system configuration in a multi-user environment
• Experience with telemetry, antenna systems, and RF link setup and troubleshooting
• Experience with high voltage electronics
• Experience in testing aircraft composite structures
• Experience in testing aircraft mechanical systems
• Aerospace and rapid prototyping experience

Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $36-$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