Senior Flight Test Aircraft Engineer

Joby Aviation • Marina, CA

1d

About The Position

The Senior Flight Test Aircraft Engineer is the technical authority for assigned Flight Test aircraft assets and an integral member of Joby’s Flight Test department. The role manages the experimental S4 aircraft fleet used for research and development, demonstrating compliance, and exhibitions. It interfaces with Maintenance, Engineering, Production, Quality, Airworthiness, and Certification teams to coordinate aircraft work and resolve technical challenges. The Aircraft Engineer controls aircraft configuration and contributes directly to the safety and airworthiness of the platform.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or another technical field, or equivalent experience and training.
• At least 8 years of experience working in an aerospace environment.
• Experience working in or interfacing with aircraft maintenance, Flight Test, and systems engineering functions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines.
• Strong technical leadership and ownership.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in reading and speaking English.
• Ability to accommodate required travel of approximately 30% of duty.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as an Aircraft Manager on an experimental Flight Test Program, preferably including VTOL or STOVL and fly-by-wire platforms.
• Civil aircraft certification experience, including use of ARP 4754 processes for requirements and FAA AC 23-8C or AC 27-1B for flight test.
• Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C.
• Familiarity with DO-178C and DO-160.
• Experience managing a technical team and projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the aircraft’s primary technical liaison and the interface between the Flight Test team and supporting engineering disciplines.
• Approve hardware and software configuration changes and maintain the master Bill of Materials (BOM) and system configuration record.
• Coordinate, track, and approve all work, including modifications, performed on the assigned aircraft.
• Manage configuration documentation to ensure traceability to engineering specifications.
• Work with Aircraft Quality Control and Certification Engineering to maintain conformity required for FAA Type Inspection Authorization (TIA).
• Manage aircraft weight and balance records and produce artifacts used for dispatch.
• Support conformity and certification activities by providing accurate aircraft and equipment configuration data.
• Facilitate resolution of cross-functional technical issues affecting the aircraft.
• Communicate the aircraft’s status and operational and test readiness to Flight Test operations and air crew.
• Manage the Safety of Flight compliance status of the as-configured aircraft and systems.
• Review open non-conformances and discrepancies for Safety of Flight implications.
• Provide operational support while the assigned aircraft is dispatched, coordinating troubleshooting and facilitating on-demand configuration changes for specific testing.
• Work with the Airworthiness team to ensure compliance with FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate requirements and manage associated limitations.
• Conduct on-aircraft functional tests, rigging, and actuator calibration procedures.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior