Flight Test Engineering Lead

Joby Overview At Joby Aviation, we are driven by our goal of creating an affordable, all-electric, global air transportation system. Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, and 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. Since 2009, our team has worked steadily to make this dream a reality.

We’ve designed and tested many generations of prototype aircraft capable of serving in a network of electric air taxis. We’re looking for talented, committed individuals to join our team as we push onward toward certifying our aircraft and scaling our global operations. Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer Lead to join our flight test team. This role presents a unique opportunity to lead a highly talented team of flight test engineers while utilizing a wide range of knowledge and skill, including developing detailed flight test plans for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing as a crew member, and analyzing test data.

The role involves developing flight test program strategies as well as execution of both development and certification flight testing. Flight testing at Joby Aviation is very fast-paced, and we are looking for an individual who can work with system designers to develop test procedures, deal with frequently changing test scenarios, and lead/follow effectively. Previous experience and/or training as a Flight Test Engineer is required.

While the flight test team is based in Marina, CA, opportunities exist for various deployment missions around the world. Successful candidates relocating to the Marina area will initially be required to support regular short-duration deployments to Edwards AFB.

• As a people manager, lead a team of up to 10 flight test engineers, providing mentorship and managerial support.
• As a technical leader, manage the flight test program in the assigned technical/operational areas.
• Collaborate with fellow leads in the Flight Test team to implement/improve flight test processes.
• Develop test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles from experimental development through certification flight test.
• Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crew member during test execution and perform post flight data analysis.
• Conducts engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables.
• Coordinates with other engineering groups to ensure input from subject matter experts informs test planning and test execution.
• 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 the nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test.
• 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.

• Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training.
• A minimum of 10 years experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer.
• 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.
• At…