Staff Technical Program Manager, Advanced Manufacturing

Joby Aviation•Santa Cruz, CA

2h•$156,000 - $214,500•Onsite

About The Position

Joby is seeking an experienced Technical Program Manager to lead the development, maturation, and industrialization of advanced joining technologies for high-performance thermoplastic composite aircraft structures. This role will be responsible for defining and executing technology development programs focused on joining carbon fiber reinforced PEEK, PEKK, and other high-performance thermoplastic materials using welding and consolidation processes. Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, materials, and certification teams, this individual will establish robust manufacturing processes and generate the data necessary to support future aircraft structural applications. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in composite materials and joining technologies with extensive aerospace program leadership experience and a passion for hands-on technology development.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
10+ years of experience developing aerospace structures, manufacturing processes, or advanced composite technologies
Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary aerospace technology development programs from concept through qualification
Deep understanding of high-performance thermoplastic composites including carbon fiber reinforced PEEK, PEKK, PEAK, and related materials
Extensive experience with thermoplastic joining technologies including one or more of: Resistance welding, Induction welding, Ultrasonic welding, Laser welding, Thermal consolidation, Automated joining processes
Strong understanding of aerospace materials and process development, qualification methodologies, and certification best practices
Experience developing manufacturing process specifications, qualification plans, and engineering standards
Familiarity with composite structural testing, mechanical characterization, environmental conditioning, and statistical analysis of material performance
Excellent technical communication skills with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams and communicate with executive leadership
Willingness to work onsite in Santa Cruz, California, with significant laboratory and manufacturing floor engagement

Nice To Haves

Advanced Degree preferred
20+ years of experience developing aerospace structures, manufacturing processes, or advanced composite technologies
Experience developing primary or secondary aircraft composite structures
Knowledge of FAA or military certification approaches for composite structures
Experience establishing structural design allowables and supporting certification by analysis and test
Familiarity with automated composite manufacturing equipment, robotics, and process automation
Experience working with research organizations, government programs, or technology maturation initiatives
Demonstrated success transitioning emerging manufacturing technologies into production environments

Responsibilities

Lead the technical strategy, planning, and execution of development programs focused on thermoplastic composite joining technologies for aerospace structures.
Develop and mature manufacturing processes utilizing resistance, induction, ultrasonic, laser, conduction, and other thermoplastic welding and consolidation methods.
Define and execute material characterization and test programs to establish preliminary design allowables and joint performance databases across relevant loading and environmental conditions.
Develop formal manufacturing process specifications, work instructions, qualification plans, and supporting technical documentation suitable for production and certification.
Coordinate multidisciplinary teams spanning design engineering, materials engineering, manufacturing engineering, testing, quality, and certification to achieve program objectives.
Provide technical leadership in process development, fixture design, equipment selection, process controls, and manufacturability for thermoplastic composite assemblies.
Serve as the technical interface with equipment suppliers, research organizations, universities, and industry partners supporting technology maturation.
Drive project execution through schedule management, technical risk reduction, resource planning, milestone tracking, and executive communication.
Remain actively engaged in laboratory and manufacturing development activities, participating directly in process development, testing, troubleshooting, and validation.