Flight Test Instrumentation Systems Lead
About The Position
Joby Aviation is seeking a highly motivated Flight Test Instrumentation Systems Lead to lead its Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) and Ground Control Station teams. The role combines technical leadership and people management in a fast-paced flight test environment supporting developmental and certification programs. The lead will manage a multidisciplinary team responsible for designing, integrating, operating, and maintaining instrumentation, telemetry, and ground control stations across the flight test fleet. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires technical depth, strong cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to execute in rapidly evolving test environments.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 10 or more years of experience in flight test instrumentation, data acquisition, or related domains.
- Proven experience leading and developing technical teams in a flight test environment.
- Deep expertise in at least one of the following: flight test instrumentation system design and integration; data acquisition hardware, telemetry systems, and sensor integration; or instrumentation installation, calibration, and maintenance.
- Strong understanding of flight test processes and aircraft integration.
- Strong understanding of configuration management and documentation practices.
- Strong understanding of data quality, validation, and traceability in test environments.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, rapidly changing flight test environment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with LabVIEW or similar data acquisition/software tools.
- Experience supporting FAA Part 23/25/27/29 or EASA certification programs.
- Knowledge of air data systems and calibration methods.
- Familiarity with aircraft wiring, avionics integration, and structural instrumentation such as strain, pressure, and vibration instrumentation.
- Experience with Ground Control Stations and telemetry infrastructure.
- Demonstrated success scaling teams and processes during rapid program growth.
Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and grow engineers and technicians responsible for FTI, telemetry, and Ground Control Stations.
- Establish team priorities, workflows, and staffing plans aligned with flight test program needs.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and technical excellence.
- Own the architecture, design, integration, and maintenance of flight test instrumentation systems.
- Oversee data acquisition systems, sensors, signal conditioning, telemetry, and onboard recording systems.
- Ensure instrumentation readiness, calibration, and reliability for flight test operations.
- Plan and manage FTI schedules, budgets, and resource allocation across multiple test campaigns.
- Coordinate across flight test engineering, aircraft integration, maintenance, systems engineering, and the program office.
- Develop and maintain processes for FTI system design, installation, configuration control, calibration, and maintenance.
- Ensure traceability and compliance with internal standards and FAA/EASA regulatory requirements.
- Guide the design and development of hardware and software solutions supporting flight test instrumentation and telemetry.
- Evaluate and integrate technologies and tools to improve data quality, efficiency, and scalability.
- Provide technical oversight for troubleshooting, anomaly resolution, and root cause investigations.
Benefits
- 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.
- Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of compensation.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
