Staff Flight Research Flight Test Engineer

Xwing; Concord (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 255,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) with company match

Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)

Job summary

Joby Aviation in Concord, CA is seeking a Staff Flight Research Flight Test Engineer to own flight test programs for complex vehicles. You will lead data analysis, planning, and safety reviews while advancing autonomy-focused test activities on our large aircraft platforms.

The role requires 8+ years in flight testing, a related BS degree, and strong communication skills. Expect travel and a mix of hands-on and analytical work within a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 8 years in flight test or a closely related area.
• Proven experience conducting experimental flight tests as a Flight Test Engineer, ideally in a Test Conductor role.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and in teams, with willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute flight test programs for complex vehicles and systems.
• Develop deep knowledge of the test aircraft and support systems.
• Lead flight test briefs, debriefs, and data analysis activities.
• Monitor real-time data during tests to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Prepare flight manuals and documentation per procedures; manage test configurations.
• Travel to support short-term military exercises or remote campaigns.

Skills

Flight test experience

Teamwork

Communication

Analytical skills

Independent work

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical or related

Tools

Matlab

Python

Job description

Staff Flight Research Flight Test Engineer

Job Locations US-CA-Concord

ID 2026-5379

Category Flight Research

Type Regular Full-Time

Company Overview

Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations.

Overview

Joby Aviation’s Flight Research team is looking for a Flight Test Engineer to support its advanced development efforts. This role will primarily focus on the autonomy portfolio which includes the Cessna Caravan platform. Drawing on your experience flight testing large aircraft, the role will provide ownership of a wide range of development, testing, analysis, and reporting activities.

The ideal candidate will also hold FAA pilot certificates and will be able to operate large uncrewed aircraft.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with discipline engineers, test pilots, maintenance, and leadership to establish and execute flight test programs of complex vehicles and systems
• Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test
• Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysis
• 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
• 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
• At least 10% travel required to support short term participation in military exercises or other remote test campaigns

Required

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 8+ years of experience in related field
• Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training
• Previous experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer- particularly in a Test Conductor role
• 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

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. “US Person” includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.

Desired

• FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience
• FAA private pilot or commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating
  • An ability to maintain an FAA Class II medical
• Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar
• Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C
• Experience with liquid hydrogen vehicles

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $185,300 - $254,800/yr. The compensation package will be determined by 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.