Senior Flight Research Flight Test Engineer

Xwing; Concord (CA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 206,000; Full time

Job summary

Joby Aviation’s Flight Research team seeks a Senior Flight Research Flight Test Engineer to support autonomy-focused development and flight testing of large aircraft, including the Cessna Caravan platform. You will plan tests, analyze data, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance across complex systems.

The role requires 5+ years of flight test experience, strong cross‑disciplinary collaboration, and FAA pilot qualifications; travel to participate in remote campaigns is expected, with a mix

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5+ years of experience.
• Flight Test Engineer with experimental/test conductor experience.
• Strong communication across technical disciplines.
• Willingness to travel and work long hours.
• English proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Work with engineers, test pilots, maintenance, and leadership to plan flight test programs.
• Develop expert knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test.
• Perform flight test planning, readiness reviews, briefs/debriefs, and post-flight data analysis.
• Operate as part of the flight crew and monitor data in real time for safety.
• Report completed tests and compliance findings.
• Advise the flight test pilot on data for real-time decisions.
• Complete administrative work: configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management, test card creation.
• Assist with troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
• Develop flight manuals and documents for safe operation.
• Other duties as assigned.
• At least 10% travel required.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Flight test experience

Independent work

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

BS in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Matlab

Python

Flight test software

Data analysis tools

Job description

Senior Flight Research Flight Test Engineer

Job Locations: US-CA-Concord

Company Overview

Joby Flight Research 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’s Flight Research team is looking for a Flight Test Engineer to support its advanced development efforts. This role will primarily focus on the autonomy portfolio which includes the Cessna Caravan platform. Drawing on your experience flight testing large aircraft, the role will provide ownership of a wide range of development, testing, analysis, and reporting activities.

The ideal candidate will also hold FAA pilot certificates and will be able to operate large uncrewed aircraft.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with discipline engineers, test pilots, maintenance, and leadership to establish and execute flight test programs of complex vehicles and systems
• Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test
• Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysis
• Works as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests
• Reports on completed tests including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations
• Advises the flight test pilot of nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness
• Completes administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation
• Assists with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing
• Develops 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
• At least 10% travel required to support short term participation in military exercises or other remote test campaigns

Required

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 5+ years of experience in related field
• Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training
• Previous experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer- particularly in a Test Conductor role
• 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

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

• FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience
• FAA private pilot or commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating
  • An ability to maintain an FAA Class II medical
• Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar
• Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C
• Experience with liquid hydrogen vehicles

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $121,500 - $206,100/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.