Flight Test Lead (Advanced Development)

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 As a Flight Test Lead within our Advanced Development team, you will serve as a strategic lead for flight test activities focused on our autonomy programs. You will be responsible for the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests that push the boundaries of available technology. This role requires a deep understanding of how multiple parts of the aircraft system are integrated to achieve company objectives, particularly as we shift toward formal methods of system verification in parallel to ongoing developmental activities. Your team acts as a principal stakeholders across disciplines, solving advanced issues and managing down-the-line implications for our autonomous flight systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of flight test plans and objectives for autonomous aircraft systems, ensuring all tests are conducted with a focus on safety and data integrity
• Direct and mentor a cross-functional team of engineers and pilots, building coalitions to achieve complex program milestones
• Develop policies, procedures, and tools for a diverse range of flight test activities with a diverse set of regulatory and airworthiness frameworks
• Serve as the focal point for both civil and military special airworthiness issuances
• Provide creative solutions to often complex problems, identifying the cause of unusual aircraft behaviors and adapting test approaches
• Partner with senior leadership to provide professional expertise on flight test strategy, considering the downstream implications of autonomous software integration
• Maintain accountability for test results that impact multiple functions, ensuring that findings are clearly articulated to stakeholders across the organization
• At least 10% travel required to support short term participation in military exercises or other remote test campaigns

Required

• A minimum of 7+ years of experience as a Flight Test Engineer (Test Conductor/Test Director) or Test Pilot, with a demonstrated history of success in developmental or certification environments, ideally both
• Expert-level knowledge of flight test principles, typically gained through extensive quality time spent on projects directly related to advanced aircraft development
• Private Pilot Certificate
• Proven experience in a leadership or lead role, with the ability to direct the activities of others and manage complex interdisciplinary efforts
• Deep understanding of system thinking, with the ability to link past successes and failures to root causes in a fast-paced environment
• Bachelor’s or higher in Aerospace Engineering or a related technical field
• Previous experience with fly-by-wire aircraft, avionics integration, and/or automation

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

• While not a requirement, previous experience with large (Group III+) is highly desired
• Commercial Pilot Certificate
• Experience with autonomous piloting software testing and validation
• Eligible for DoD security clearance

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $213,100 - $245,000/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. Additional Information Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.