Senior Operational Test Pilot, Autonomous Flight & GCS Lead

All Aviation Jobs; Concord (CA); On-site; USD 213,000 - 273,000; Full time

Job summary

Joby Aviation is seeking a Staff Operational Test Pilot to serve as a senior technical authority for operational evaluations of the J208 aircraft. You will act as onboard pilot-in-command, overseeing automation systems and the Ground Control Station during uncrewed missions.

The role leads flight operations for deployed teams, interfaces with customers, and translates operational lessons into product updates. Travel up to 50% domestically and internationally may be required.

Qualifications

• Requires engineering or aviation-related degree with 8+ years of operational flight test experience (Master’s 6+ years).
• ASEL Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating.
• Extensive PIC experience in operational flight test or advanced tech evaluations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain US Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Act as senior onboard PIC for J208 flight evaluations with authority over automated flight operations.
• Operate Ground Control Stations during uncrewed evaluations and define SOPs for GCS interaction.
• Serve in flight operations leadership roles for deployed evaluation teams.
• Present capabilities and progress to military and civil customers.
• Collaborate with engineering to feed operational lessons into product updates.
• Lead operational risk management, safety evaluation, and compliance for flight testing environments.
• Mentor junior pilots and remote operators; travel up to 50% CONUS/OCONUS.
• Act as PIC during low-risk developmental flight testing at home station.

Skills

PIC experience

Flight test experience

Willingness to travel

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s in engineering or aviation

Job description

Joby Aviation is seeking a Staff Operational Test Pilot to serve as a senior technical authority for operational evaluations of the J208 aircraft. You will act as onboard pilot-in-command, overseeing automation systems and the Ground Control Station during uncrewed missions.

The role leads flight operations for deployed teams, interfaces with customers, and translates operational lessons into product updates. Travel up to 50% domestically and internationally may be required.