System Test Lead: Software & Automation Architect

XWING; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 158,500 - 257,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)

Job summary

Joby Aviation is seeking a System Test Software Engineering Lead to guide a team of software and data analytics engineers developing, sustaining, and upgrading Test Enabling Software for verification, validation, and certification of the S4 aircraft.

The role blends people management with technical leadership, emphasizing planning, safe execution, and timely TES delivery across programs to support flight certification milestones.

Qualifications

• BS in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 8+ years of work experience in relevant industry.
• Expertise in developing Hardware In the Loop (HIL), simulation‑based testing and/or integration tests of Hardware/Software.
• Experience with Instrumentation, Data Acquisition Systems and Sensors.
• Excellent problem solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Test Leads, Project Engineers, Program Managers, Software Engineers and Data Analytics Engineers to understand why, what, and when tests are needed for each program milestone, and identify which require new or modified Test Enabling Software (TES).
• Translate program needs into actionable plans for your team, assign tasks based on engineer experience, provide technical guidance, and ensure safe, efficient execution.
• Mentor and challenge engineers to maximize output without compromising quality; foster critical thinking and disciplined planning and execution.
• Automation: Support the integration and review of test automation scripts across all system test assets. Drive the strategy to make the test automation strategy (scripts, data review) usable for Safety of Flight and certification credit.
• Test Software Focal: Identify and scope out lab software requirements for the different test assets. Develop test software infrastructure and tools to make the test process more efficient. Develop instrumentation and controls hardware, test fixture GUI, LabView VIs and any other necessary tools to enable test execution and automation.
• Software Test Process: Drive gated software review (Kickoff, design reviews, Root Cause and Corrective Actions) for integration of hardware, software, hardware emulation, simulation, test hardware, and specialized test equipment necessary to conduct verification of mission profiles for Safety of Flight clearance and certification requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement projects to evolve capabilities, productivity and test efficiency
• Build strong rapport with stakeholders across IPTs (Modelling, Simulation, Systems engineering, Embedded Software, Test Engineering, Lab Operations) to secure timely and accurate inputs for TES development
• Coordinate with Lab Operations to ensure developed test stands are safely integrated into the System Test Lab, including facility readiness
• Communicate realistic timelines and constraints to stakeholders; set clear expectations for when tests can be supported
• Represent the TES team in cross-functional discussions, ensuring collaborative and constructive solutions

Skills

Experience in TES development

HIL testing expertise

Instrumentation & data acquisition

Strong problem solving & communication

8+ years in relevant field

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/CS/Electrical/Mechanical

Job description

Joby Aviation is seeking a System Test Software Engineering Lead to guide a team of software and data analytics engineers developing, sustaining, and upgrading Test Enabling Software for verification, validation, and certification of the S4 aircraft.

The role blends people management with technical leadership, emphasizing planning, safe execution, and timely TES delivery across programs to support flight certification milestones.