Flight Test Lead (Advanced Development)

Job Description

About the Company Joby Flight Research designs, develops and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. The team builds and deploys autonomy, perception, planning and radar systems across conventional, electric and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations. Role Overview As a Flight Test Lead within the Advanced Development team, you will be the strategic lead for flight test activities on Joby's autonomy programmes, responsible for planning, execution and analysis of flight tests that push the boundaries of available technology. The role requires deep understanding of how multiple parts of the aircraft system integrate to achieve company objectives, particularly as the organisation shifts toward formal methods of system verification alongside ongoing developmental activities. The team acts as a principal stakeholder across disciplines, solving advanced issues and managing down-the-line implications for autonomous flight systems. Key Responsibilities Lead development of flight test plans and objectives for autonomous aircraft systems, with a focus on safety and data integrity Direct and mentor a cross-functional team of engineers and pilots, building coalitions to achieve complex programme milestones Develop policies, procedures and tools for a diverse range of flight test activities across different regulatory and airworthiness frameworks Serve as the focal point for both civil and military special airworthiness issuances Provide creative solutions to complex problems, identifying the cause of unusual aircraft behaviours and adapting test approaches Partner with senior leadership on flight test strategy, considering the downstream implications of autonomous software integration Maintain accountability for test results that affect multiple functions, ensuring findings are clearly articulated to stakeholders across the organisation At least 10% travel to support short-term participation in military exercises or other remote test campaigns Licences & Qualifications Private Pilot certificate Bachelor's degree or higher in aerospace engineering or a related technical field Desired: Commercial Pilot certificate Desired: eligibility for a DoD security clearance Experience Minimum 7+ years as a Flight Test Engineer (test conductor or test director) or Test Pilot, with a demonstrated record of success in developmental or certification environments, ideally both Expert-level knowledge of flight test principles, gained through extensive work on projects directly related to advanced aircraft development Proven experience in a leadership or lead role, able to direct the activities of others and manage complex interdisciplinary efforts Deep understanding of systems thinking, linking past successes and failures to root causes in a fast-paced environment Previous experience with fly-by-wire aircraft, avionics integration and/or automation Desired: previous experience with large (Group III+) platforms Desired: experience with autonomous piloting software testing and validation What We Offer Target base pay of $213,100 to $245,000 per year, determined by job-related knowledge, skills and experience Compensation is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Paid time off Healthcare benefits 401(k) plan with a company match Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) Short-term and long-term disability coverage Life insurance and more Additional Information This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, so a candidate must qualify as a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. Section 120.15 - US citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees or asylees. Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

• Lead development of flight test plans and objectives for autonomous aircraft systems, with a focus on safety and data integrity
• Direct and mentor a cross-functional team of engineers and pilots, building coalitions to achieve complex programme milestones
• Develop policies, procedures and tools for a diverse range of flight test activities across different regulatory and airworthiness frameworks
• Serve as the focal point for both civil and military special airworthiness issuances
• Provide creative solutions to complex problems, identifying the cause of unusual aircraft behaviours and adapting test approaches
• Partner with senior leadership on flight test strategy, considering the downstream implications of autonomous software integration
• Maintain accountability for test results that affect multiple functions, ensuring findings are clearly articulated to stakeholders across the organisation
• At least 10% travel to support short-term participation in military exercises or other remote test campaigns
• Private Pilot certificate
• Bachelor's degree or higher in aerospace engineering or a related technical field
• Desired: Commercial Pilot certificate
• Desired: eligibility for a DoD security clearance
• Minimum 7+ years as a Flight Test Engineer (test conductor or test director) or Test Pilot, with a demonstrated record of success in developmental or certification environments, ideally both
• Expert-level knowledge of flight test principles, gained through extensive work on projects directly related to advanced aircraft development
• Proven experience in a leadership or lead role, able to direct the activities of others and manage complex interdisciplinary efforts
• Deep understanding of systems thinking, linking past successes and failures to root causes in a fast-paced environment
• Previous experience with fly-by-wire aircraft, avionics integration and/or automation
• Desired: previous experience with large (Group III+) platforms
• Desired: experience with autonomous piloting software testing and validation
• Target base pay of $213,100 to $245,000 per year, determined by job-related knowledge, skills and experience
• Compensation is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
• Healthcare benefits
• 401(k) plan with a company match
• Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Life insurance and more