Staff Rotor/Hub Design Engineer

XWING; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Joby is seeking a Staff Rotor/Hub Design Engineer in Santa Cruz to drive propeller systems from concept through certification. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop designs compliant with 14 CFR Part 35 and Part 27/29, ensuring structural integrity and manufacturability.

The role requires a BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and 5+ years in rotor/propeller design, with strong CAD skills (CATIA/3DExperience) and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering required.
• 5+ years of propeller or rotor systems experience.
• Experience with propeller/rotor hub design and 3D CAD.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Support design cycle from concept to certification for propeller blades and components.
• Design mechanical components and assemblies emphasizing performance, manufacturability, reliability, and maintainability.
• Generate test documentation coordinating with FAA and stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance to cross-functional teams to meet certification requirements.

Skills

Propeller/rotor design

3D CAD CATIA/3DExperience

Technical communication

Independent project management

MS Office

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

3DExperience/CATIA

Abaqus/Nastran

Job description

Staff Rotor/Hub Design Engineer

Job Locations US-CA-Santa Cruz

ID 2026-4822

Category Airframe & Actuators

Type Regular Full-Time

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

Working as a mechanical design engineer you will play a key role with design, development, and certification of advanced propeller systems for next-generation aircraft. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams - including analysis, test, manufacturing, and certification teams - to develop and certify the Joby propeller systems.

Responsibilities

• Support across all phases of the design cycle, concept & optimization, preliminary through detailed design, development, analysis, validation, certification, manufacturing, and operational service for propeller blades and other propeller components based on engineering fundamentals, and 14 CFR Part 35 or 14 CFR Part 27/29 regulations.
• Design mechanical components and assemblies as well as associated test and manufacturing assemblies with an emphasis on structural integrity, manufacturability, reliability, and maintainability.
• Generate comprehensive test documentation, adhering to standardized methods in coordination with the FAA and other relevant stakeholders.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to cross-functional teams, ensuring adherence to certification requirements throughout the product development lifecycle.

Required

• Degree: BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of related technical experience, in the areas of propeller or rotor systems.
• Type of Relevant Experience: Experience with propeller or rotor hub design, experience using 3D design software (3DExperience/CATIA or equivalent).
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Must be able to verbally communicate, read and comprehend written and verbal instructions, detailed blueprints, and other similar authorized drawings and documents.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• MS Office Suite and general computer skills.
• Ability to be onsite in Santa Cruz, CA

Desired

• M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of related technical experience, in the areas of propeller or rotor systems.
• Experience with CAE software (Abaqus/Nastran or equivalent).
• 14 CFR Part 35 Designated Engineering Representative (DER).
• Knowledge of propeller and rotor dynamics, aerodynamics, and loads.
• Knowledge of engineering drawing standards (ANSI 14.5Y).
• Knowledge of FAA aircraft certification requirements for 14 CFR Part 35.

Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $149,900 - $250,000/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.

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.