Senior Operational Test Pilot - Flight Ops & Autonomy

Socket.dev; Concord (CA); On-site; USD 213,000 - 273,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)

Life insurance

Paid time off

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, oversee automation systems, and manage GCS operations during uncrewed missions.

The role includes leadership responsibilities for deployed evaluation teams, interfacing with customers, and translating operational feedback to engineering teams. Travel up to 50% domestically and internationally is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in engineering or aviation; 8+ years of flight test ops experience as required.
• ASEL Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating and FAA medical certification.
• Active US Security Clearance or ability to obtain one; travel up to 50% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Act as senior onboard pilot-in-command for J208 flight evaluations and oversee automated flight operations.
• Operate Ground Control Stations (GCS) during uncrewed evaluations and define SOPs for GCS use.
• Potentially serve as Director of Flight Operations for deployed evaluation teams.
• Present capabilities and progress to military and civil customers.
• Liaise with engineering teams to translate operational lessons into product updates.
• Lead risk management, safety evaluation, and compliance across flight testing.
• Mentor junior pilots and remote operators; travel up to 50% CONUS/OCONUS.
• Pilot in command during low-risk developmental flight testing at home station.

Skills

Pilot in Command

Flight Test Experience

Operational Aviation

Security Clearance

Travel Readiness

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering or Aviation-related discipline

Master's degree (preferred)

ASEL Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating

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, oversee automation systems, and manage GCS operations during uncrewed missions.

The role includes leadership responsibilities for deployed evaluation teams, interfacing with customers, and translating operational feedback to engineering teams. Travel up to 50% domestically and internationally is expected.