Operational Test Pilot - Advanced Development

Socket.dev; Concord (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Joby Aviation is seeking an Operational Test Pilot to support evaluations of the J208. You will serve as the onboard pilot-in-command, oversee advanced automation, and operate the Ground Control Station during uncrewed flights.

You will represent the product to customers and collaborate with engineering to feed lessons learned into future updates. Travel up to 50% CONUS/OCONUS is expected; candidates must have an engineering or aviation degree, an FAA pilot certificate with instrument rating,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or aviation-related discipline with 5+ years of relevant flight operations experience
• ASEL Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating
• Demonstrated experience acting as Pilot in Command in fixed-wing flight operations or test environments
• Ability to hold and maintain a FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate
• Active US Security Clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance post-hire
• Willingness and ability to travel roughly 50% domestically (CONUS) and internationally (OCONUS)

Responsibilities

• Serve as the onboard pilot-in-command for J208 operational evaluation flights
• Operate and monitor the Ground Control Station (GCS) during uncrewed flights
• Represent the J208 product and flight evaluation program during live demonstrations with customers
• Collaborate with developmental engineering to capture and flow back operational lessons learned
• Execute pre-flight planning, mission risk assessments, and post-flight debriefs
• Support field workflows, flight-line logistics, and travel up to 50%

Skills

Pilot in Command experience

Security clearance

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or aviation-related discipline

Master’s degree

Tools

Ground Control Station (GCS) experience

Job description

Company Overview

Joby Advanced Development 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 Aviation is seeking an Operational Test Pilot to support operational evaluations of the J208 aircraft (a Cessna Caravan integrated with Superpilot autonomy technology). Reporting to the Operational Evaluation Deployment Lead, this role serves as the onboard pilot-in-command, overseeing advanced automation to ensure safe aircraft operations in complex, dynamic flight environments, and operating the Ground Control Station (GCS) during uncrewed flight operations. Additionally, you will represent the product and program to current and prospective customers while partnering directly with developmental engineering to flow field lessons learned and technical updates back into future product iterations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the onboard pilot-in-command for J208 operational evaluation flights, monitoring Superpilot autonomy systems and executing real-time operational decisions to ensure safe mission execution
• Operate and monitor the Ground Control Station (GCS) when the J208 aircraft operates in uncrewed configurations
• Represent the J208 product and flight evaluation program during live operational demonstrations with prospective and current military or civil customers
• Collaborate closely with developmental engineering teams to capture, analyze, and flow back operational lessons learned to inform continuous flight software and hardware updates
• Execute pre-flight planning, mission risk assessments, and post-flight debriefs in accordance with military airfield rules, FAA regulations, and internal safety protocols
• Support deployed field support workflows, flight line logistics, and site setup activities while traveling up to 50% CONUS/OCONUS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or aviation-related discipline with 5+ years of relevant flight operations experience, Master’s degree with 3+ years, or equivalent practical experience
• ASEL Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating
• Demonstrated experience acting as Pilot in Command in fixed-wing flight operations, test environments, or operational evaluations
• Ability to hold and maintain a FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate
• Active US Security Clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance post-hire
• Willingness and ability to travel roughly 50% domestically (CONUS) and internationally (OCONUS)

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

• Prior experience with Cessna 208 Caravan operations or turboprop flight operations.
• Experience operating Ground Control Stations (GCS) or supervising automated/autonomous flight control platforms.
• Prior experience conducting flight operations on US military installations or in customer-facing environments.
• Experience with military aviation
• Experience as an operational test pilot

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $139,700 - $170,000/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.