R&D Technician

Joby Aviation•Watsonville, CA

2d•$48 - $57•Onsite

About The Position

Joby Aviation is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented R&D Technician to join our Flight Research team in Watsonville, CA. This role will support the build, integration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and test of electrical and electro-mechanical systems used across Joby’s aircraft, labs, test assets, and flight research activities. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D environment, can interpret engineering drawings and schematics, and enjoys collaborating directly with engineers, pilots, test teams, and technicians. This position is intended for a senior level technician who can work independently, support complex builds and test setups, and help mentor other technicians while maintaining a strong focus on safety and quality.

Requirements

6+ years hands-on experience building and troubleshooting complex electromechanical hardware in aircraft, spacecraft, motorsport, robotics, or a comparable low-volume prototype environment
High School Diploma or GED
Ability to work from incomplete and evolving engineering definition: make sound decisions with partial information, recognize what is missing, and close it out with the responsible engineer
Strong technical problem solving; able to isolate a fault from symptoms rather than from a procedure
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams
Excellent mechanical craftsmanship and attention to detail on flight hardware
Self-directed and comfortable being the most experienced technician on the floor
Strong verbal and written communication; you will interface with engineers continuously
Ability to lift up to 35 lbs unassisted, and to perform hands-on work that may include standing, bending, reaching, stooping, crawling, and working in tight spaces
Ability to distinguish wire colors and component markings
Willingness to support occasional extended hours, weekend work, or off-nominal test and flight research schedules as needed
Occasional travel for test site support, less than 10%
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.

Nice To Haves

Manual mill and lathe
Welding, TIG preferred, on aluminum, steel, and/or titanium
Wire harness fabrication and troubleshooting: crimping, potting, MIL-spec connectors
FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license
Additive manufacturing experience, including design for print
CAD proficiency in any package; able to model simple parts and fixtures
Sheet metal layout, forming, and punch work
Fluid and pneumatic system assembly: tube bending, AN/MS fittings, proof and leak checks
Torque-critical and safety-of-flight assembly practice
Instrumentation installation: thermocouples, strain gauges, pressure transducers
High voltage safety awareness and experience around energized systems
Rigging, hoisting, and handling of large assemblies
Prior NPI, R&D, flight test, or experimental aircraft experience
Composite layup, bonding, and repair

Responsibilities

Build, install, and integrate mechanical and electrical systems on a prototype aircraft
Fabricate brackets, fixtures, and tooling as needed to keep the build moving, using manual machining, welding, sheet metal, and additive
Fabricate, route, clamp, and terminate wire harnesses; troubleshoot continuity, shorts, grounding, and connector faults
Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and integrated systems issues on the vehicle and drive to root cause with engineering
Work directly from CAD, drawings, and engineer direction, typically ahead of fully released definition
Identify interferences, fit issues, and design problems during install and bring engineering a proposed fix, not just a problem
Support systems checkout, functional testing, and ground test operations
Maintain tool control, FOD discipline, and a safe, organized work area