Manufacturing Engineer - Motors

Joby Aviation; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Joby Aviation is seeking a collaborative Manufacturing Engineer for our Electric Propulsion team in San Carlos, CA. You will bridge design engineering and scalable volume production, driving DFM, lean improvements, and robust Standard Work to achieve high yields and safe operations.

You will partner across Design, Quality, Test, and Equipment, own the full lifecycle of manufacturing processes from prototype through ramp‑up, and mentor operators on the shop floor while maintaining clear

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to shape the manufacturing processes for motor production.
• Drive DFM feedback to ensure high yields and manufacturing readiness.
• Improve throughput, ergonomics, and repeatability from prototype to volume production.
• Develop and maintain Standard Work instructions and mentor production staff.
• Take responsibility for the full lifecycle of assigned manufacturing processes, from deployment through production validation.

Skills

DFM feedback

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional collaboration

Shop floor experience

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3D CAD software

Job description

Joby Aviation is seeking a collaborative and process-oriented Manufacturing Engineer to join our Electric Propulsion team in San Carlos, CA. In this role, you will bridge the gap between complex design engineering and scalable volume production. Beyond technical expertise, the ideal candidate is a champion of operational excellence who excels at communicating with diverse stakeholders—from design engineers to production technicians. You will participate in the NPI (New Product Introduction) and ramp-up of the Joby aircraft powertrain, ensuring that our manufacturing systems are as reliable, safe, and efficient as the aircraft itself.

Responsibilities

Collaborate across engineering disciplines (Design, Quality, Test, and Equipment) to shape the manufacturing processes for motor production. You will act as the voice of manufacturing, driving Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback to ensure high yields and manufacturing readiness. Contribute to a "safety-first" and "quality-always" environment. Partner in cross-functional initiatives to deliver step-change improvements in throughput, ergonomics, and repeatability from prototype through volume production. Guide the evolution of production processes. Utilize data and Lean principles to resolve constraints, improve tooling, implement automation, and optimize test performance across welding, winding impregnation, rotor/stator build, and final motor test. Develop and maintain clear, accessible Standard Work instructions, acting as a mentor for production staff to ensure successful adoption and execution. Take responsibility for the full lifecycle of assigned manufacturing processes, utilizing data to drive decisions from initial deployment through sustained production and validation.

Required

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 2+ years of experience, or equivalent professional experience/certification. Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority. You enjoy being on the shop floor and value the insights of technicians and operators. Strong ability to balance technical precision with practical manufacturing needs, with a focus on creating stable, repeatable, and efficient production environments. Ability to adapt to an iterative, dynamic manufacturing environment where project needs may shift. Proficient in 3D CAD modeling software. Ability to travel to China for business purposes as required, including the capacity for extended trips up to 90 days per year, inclusive of weekends.

Desired

Hands-on experience in process development, validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and root cause analysis. Proficient in GD&T per ASME Y14.5 for complex tolerance stack-up analysis. Experience with electric motor assembly, power electronics, or complex electro-mechanical systems. Experience in manufacturing in regulated sectors such as Aerospace (14 CFR Part 21), Automotive (TS16949/IATF 16949), or Medical (ISO 13485). Experience working with international teams (experience with Mandarin-speaking environments or fluency in Mandarin is advantageous).

Compensation

Compensation at Joby consists of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $81,300 - $135,300/year. 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.