Flight Test Instrumentation Systems Lead
About The Position
Joby Aviation is seeking a highly motivated Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) & Ground Control Station teams. This role combines technical leadership and people management in a fast-paced flight test environment supporting both developmental and certification programs. You will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for the design, integration, operation, and maintenance of instrumentation, telemetry, and ground control stations across the flight test fleet. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong cross-functional collaboration, technical depth, and the ability to execute and lead in rapidly evolving test environments.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 10+ 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 one or more of the following: Flight Test Instrumentation systems design and integration, Data acquisition hardware, telemetry systems, and sensor integration, Instrumentation installation, calibration, and maintenance
- Strong understanding of: Flight test processes and aircraft integration, Configuration management and documentation practices, 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 DAQ/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 (strain, pressure, vibration)
- Experience with Ground Control Stations and telemetry infrastructure
- Demonstrated success scaling teams and processes during rapid program growth
Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and grow a team of 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 all flight test instrumentation systems
- Oversee data acquisition systems, sensors, signal conditioning, telemetry, and onboard recording systems
- Ensure instrumentation readiness, calibration, and reliability for all flight test operations
- Plan and manage FTI schedules, budgets, and resource allocation across multiple test campaigns
- Drive coordination across flight test engineering, aircraft integration, maintenance, systems engineering and the program office
- Develop and maintain processes for design, installation, configuration control, calibration, and maintenance of FTI systems
- Ensure traceability and compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements (FAA/EASA)
- Guide the design of development of hardware and software solutions supporting flight test instrumentation and telemetry
- Evaluate and integrate new 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
- a 401(k) plan with a company match
- an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
- short-term and long-term disability coverage
- life insurance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
