Senior Flight Test Engineer

Joby Aviation; California City (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 206,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RSUs

Healthcare benefits

401(k) with company match

Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)

Paid time off

Job summary

Joby Aviation is seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role involves developing detailed flight test plans for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing as a crewmember, and test data analysis.

The position requires planning and execution of both development and certification flight testing, collaboration with system designers, and adapting to changing test scenarios with strong cross-disciplinary communication.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering or equivalent with flight test training
• Excellent cross-disciplinary communication
• Willingness to travel at least 30%

Responsibilities

• Develop test programs to expand envelope from development to certification
• Plan tests, conduct readiness reviews, briefs/debriefs, fly as crewmember
• Analyze flight test data to support design and certification
• Coordinate with engineering for informed test planning
• Monitor real-time data to ensure flight safety during tests
• Report deficiencies and regulatory compliance findings
• Advise pilot on data for real-time decisions
• Develop expert knowledge of systems under test
• Handle configuration management and test-card creation
• Assist with troubleshooting and root cause investigations
• Create flight manuals and operating procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Technical and analytical skills

Independent & team work

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

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 Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Senior Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed flight test plans for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing as a crewmember, and test data analysis. The role involves planning and execution of both development and certification flight testing. Flight testing at Joby Aviation is very fast-paced, and we are looking for an individual who can work with system designers to develop test procedures, deal with frequently changing test scenarios, and lead/follow effectively. Previous experience and/or training as a Flight Test Engineer is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles from experimental development through certification flight test
• Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysis
• Conducts engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables
• Coordinates with other engineering groups to ensure input from subject matter experts informs test planning and test execution
• 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
• Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test
• 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

Required

• Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training
• A minimum of 8 years of experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer
• 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
• At least 30% travel required

Desired

• FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience
• Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar
• Civil aircraft certification experience including use of ARP 4754 processes for requirements and FAA AC 23-8C or AC 27-1B for flight test
• Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL and fly-by-wire
• Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member
• Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $164,900 - $206,100/yr. The compensation package offered will be determined by location, 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.