Flight Research Flight Test Project Lead

Joby Aviation•Yuma, AZ

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Flight Research Flight Test Project Lead is the primary technical and operational driver for our experimental flight test campaigns and demonstrations. Based on-site in Yuma, AZ, you will bridge the gap between engineering design and real-world flight operations. Unlike traditional engineering roles, this position is focused on the flight line: you will lead daily mission execution, perform hands-on troubleshooting, and be responsible for rapidly scaling the Flight Research Flight Test team. The applicant must have substantial breadth and depth of experience and knowledge in UAS configurations and operations. Building on this foundation, they will work closely with business development, program, and department leadership to define system requirements, achieve the necessary approvals and certifications, and lead flight testing and entry-into-market operations.

Requirements

10+ years of relevant aerospace experience with a proven track record of leading complex flight test programs.
Pilot Credentials: Must hold a Private Pilot Airplane Certificate with an Instrument Rating. 3rd Class medical. Current or the ability to gain currency.
Technical Depth: BS in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (Advanced degree preferred); must possess the "Engineering DNA" to solve system-level issues that go beyond standard pilot troubleshooting.
UAS Mastery: Extensive experience with Group 3-5 UAS, including deep knowledge of systems architecture and methods of control for large-scale experimental platforms.
Operational Leadership: Demonstrated ability to manage high-performing senior staff and build operational departments from the ground up.
Regulatory & Safety Expertise: Advanced understanding of system safety best practices, flight test instrumentation, and navigating operations within the NAS beyond Part 107.

Nice To Haves

Commercial Pilot Airplane Certificate
Previous experience with Group 4+ remotely operated aircraft in flight test and operational environments.
Previous experience in a test pilot role
Advanced degree in a STEM field
Acceptance testing experience
Flight test engineering leadership
Basic CAD and manufacturing experience
Systems engineering
A&P or similar experience
Aircraft, ground station, and/or subsystem design and build

Responsibilities

On-Site Mission Leadership: Lead daily flight test operations, including pre-flight technical briefings, real-time mission management, and immediate post-flight data review.
Hands-On Operational Support: Provide direct, on-the-aircraft engineering support. You will troubleshoot avionics, software, and mechanical hardware issues directly on the flight line to ensure mission success.
Team Growth & Mentorship: Lead the recruitment and onboarding of new flight test engineers and technicians. You will be responsible for building the team's culture, technical standards, and operational workflows from the ground up.
Test Plan Execution: Translate high-level research goals into actionable flight test cards and procedures, ensuring all maneuvers and data collection requirements are met safely and efficiently.
SOP & Safety Development: Collaborate with the Flight Research Lead to develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that prioritize safety and efficiency in a fast-paced experimental environment.
Cross-Functional Liaison: Serve as the primary technical interface between the design engineering teams at HQ and the operational team in Yuma.