System Test Software Lead

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

System Test Software Lead

Job Locations

US-CA-Santa Cruz | US-CA-Santa Cruz

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

Joby Aviation is seeking a highly organized, technically strong, and passionate individual to join our System Testing team based in Santa Cruz and supporting all system test assets. As the System Test Software Engineering Lead, you will guide a team of software and data analytics engineers responsible for developing, sustaining, and upgrading Test Enabling Software (TES) used for verification, validation, and certification of the Joby S4 aircraft. At Joby, leaders do not manage, but they do as well. This role is a hybrid of people management and providing technical expertise to further Joby’s vision. This role is critical to ensuring that the right data is delivered through testing at the right time to support company goals, while embodying the Joby Way. You will combine technical leadership with a mindset of deep planning and efficient execution to meet certification milestones on time and within budget.

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

Required

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 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

Desired

• Experience with high‑voltage power‑electronics
• Experience with industrial test laboratory environments, procedures and safety
• Experience with aircraft certification (ARP 4754, DO‑178), regulatory requirements, compliance testing, aircraft software engineering processes, and test verification

Compensation

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $158,500 - $257,200/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.