Senior Flight Test Engineer (Flight Test Technical Expert)

XWING; California (MO); On-site; USD 154,600 - 206,100; Full time

Job summary

Joby Aviation in Marina, CA is seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer (Technical Expert) to lead development, certification, and execution of flight tests for the S4 aircraft. You will develop test plans, monitor real-time data, perform analyses, and collaborate across engineering teams to ensure safety and compliance with FAA criteria.

The role requires 8+ years of experimental flight test experience, a technical engineering degree, and strong communication skills; willingness to travel up to

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical engineering or equivalent.
• Expert level knowledge in Flying Qualities, Handling Qualities, and related FAA references.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, company, and certification flight testing of Joby S4 aircraft.
• Develop flight test methods to show FAA airworthiness criteria as an expert.
• Flight test planning, readiness reviews, real-time data monitoring, and post‑flight reporting.
• Collaborate with test pilots and engineering groups to develop flight test plans.

Skills

Flight test

Engineering degree

Flight test experience

Interpersonal skills

English proficiency

Education

B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical

Equivalent experience

Tools

Matlab

Python

Job description

Senior Flight Test Engineer (Flight Test Technical Expert)

Job Locations

US-CA-Marina

Company Overview

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 (Technical Expert) 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

• Lead the execution of development, company, and certification flight testing of Joby S4 aircraft.
• Develop flight test methods for our new and novel eVTOL aircraft to show compliance to FAA's airworthiness criteria as an expert in the assigned technical area(s) (Flying Qualities, Handling Qualities, aircraft systems, propulsion, avionics, and/or human factors).
• Flight test planning, flight test readiness reviews, flight test support as part of the flight test crew, real‑time data monitoring, and post‑flight reporting.
• Develop flight test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles, from experimental development through certification flight test, with focus on assigned technical areas.
• Collaborate with test pilots and other engineering groups across the company to develop flight test plans and ensure safe and effective test execution.
• Advise flight test pilots of the nature of the data to inform real‑time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Conduct engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables.
• Report on completed tests, including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations.
• Complete administrative work associated with testing, including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management, and test card creation.
• Assist with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing.
• Develop expert‑level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test.
• Develop flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary for safe vehicle operation in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Required

• Passion for flight testing and willingness to learn about our new and novel aircraft.
• Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training.
• Minimum of 8 years of experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer.
• Expert‑level knowledge in one or more of the technical areas, including familiarity with FAA AC 23‑8C, AC 27‑1B, and other applicable industry standards:
  • Flying Qualities and Handling Qualities
  • Performance
  • Loads and flutter
  • Aircraft systems and/or propulsion
  • Avionics
  • Human factors
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate across a wide range of technical disciplines.
• Strong technical and analytical skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency in reading and speaking English.
• Flexibility to work extended hours and travel up to 30%.

Desired

• FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience.
• Experience as a Test Conductor.
• Working experience with data analysis tools such as Matlab, Python, or similar.
• Civil aircraft certification experience, including familiarity with ARP 4754 processes.
• Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL with fly‑by‑wire systems.
• 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 $154,600 - $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.