Senior R&D Technician – Aircraft Systems & Flight Tests

Xwing; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) plan with company match

RSUs and stock purchase plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Joby Aviation is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented R&D Technician to join our Flight Research team in Watsonville, CA. The role supports build, integration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and test of electrical and electro‑mechanical systems used across aircraft, labs, test assets, and flight research activities.

The ideal candidate is experienced, able to interpret drawings, and can mentor other technicians while maintaining safety and quality.

Qualifications

• 6+ years hands-on experience building and troubleshooting complex electromechanical hardware in aerospace or similar low-volume prototypes.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to work from incomplete and evolving engineering definitions and make sound decisions.
• Strong problem-solving; isolate faults from symptoms rather than from procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Excellent mechanical craftsmanship and attention to detail on flight hardware.
• Self-directed and comfortable being the most experienced technician on the floor.
• Strong verbal and written communication; interface with engineers continually.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs unassisted and perform hands-on work in tight spaces.
• Distinguish wire colors and component markings.
• Willingness to support extended hours or weekend schedules as needed.
• Occasional travel for test site support, <10%.

Responsibilities

• Build, install, and integrate mechanical and electrical systems on a prototype aircraft.
• Fabricate brackets, fixtures, and tooling using manual machining, welding, sheet metal, and additive.
• Fabricate, route, clamp, and terminate wire harnesses; troubleshoot continuity, shorts, grounding, and connector faults.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and integrated systems issues on the vehicle and drive to root cause with engineering.
• Work directly from CAD, drawings, and engineer direction, typically ahead of fully released definition.
• Identify interferences, fit issues, and design problems during install; propose fixes to engineering.
• Support systems checkout, functional testing, and ground test operations.
• Maintain tool control, FOD discipline, and a safe, organized work area.

Skills

Electromechanical assembly

Troubleshooting

Schematic reading

Reading wiring diagrams

Independent work

Verbal and written communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CAD

Job description

Joby Aviation is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented R&D Technician to join our Flight Research team in Watsonville, CA. The role supports build, integration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and test of electrical and electro‑mechanical systems used across aircraft, labs, test assets, and flight research activities.

The ideal candidate is experienced, able to interpret drawings, and can mentor other technicians while maintaining safety and quality.