Technical Program Manager, Aircraft Automation

Joby Aviation•San Carlos, CA

About The Position

Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate, driven, entrepreneurial program manager to join our team to lead programs at the intersection of hardware technologies, next-generation aircraft systems, and autonomy development. The role requires the candidate strives in uncertainty, can connect technical scope with aircraft upgrade strategy, and drive alignment across diverse stakeholders to bring breakthrough technologies from development to certification.

Requirements

Proven program experiences in advanced technology development– ideally autonomy, robotics, aerospace, automotive or related industries
Strong ability to manage scope, uncertainty and complexity– with a record of delivering programs where success wasn’t guaranteed
Solid technical literacy in one or more areas: autonomy/AI, embedded system, controls, advanced hardware technologies such as sensing technologies, aerospace engineering
Exceptional communications skills: able to engage with executive leadership as well as technical teams, or operational mechanics
Demonstrated ability to drive decision making across stakeholders with diverse priorities
Comfortable building structure out of ambiguity while keeping teams energized and mission focused
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field

Nice To Haves

Masters degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
Experience in safety-critical or regulated environments is a strong plus
Experiences with vertical integration, cutting-edge technologies’ introduction

Responsibilities

Lead Block Upgrade Planning about Aircraft Automation: Take ownership of the strategic planning and execution of aircraft enhancements through block upgrades for type-certified aircraft. This pivotal role involves driving the evolution towards higher levels of automation, ensuring these advancements are seamlessly integrated and certified. You will be responsible for developing robust frameworks in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders, meticulously supporting the development and validation of requirements, and establishing comprehensive plans for regulatory certification. Furthermore, you will oversee the successful introduction and deployment of these upgrades into active field operations, monitoring performance and iterating the plan as needed.
Pioneer New Solutions with Grassroots Innovation: Operate at the forefront of innovation by applying grassroots thinking and a pioneering spirit to navigate uncharted technical and operational territories as the technical program manager. This includes scoping, prioritizing, and problem-solving complex challenges with cross functional project teams from inception through aircraft certification then field introduction. A critical aspect of this role is the continuous and proactive management of project risks, coupled with significant contributions to the overall aircraft development lifecycle and the broader commercialization planning efforts.
Cross-Functional Integration and Bridge-Building: Serve as an essential bridge and integrator across a wide array of critical disciplines, including research and development, hardware engineering, software development, certification, flight operations, and business development. This requires a nuanced understanding of autonomy principles, electronics hardware, avionics systems, flight control algorithms, and certification fundamentals. Throughout all activities, it is paramount to keep the overarching aircraft program outcomes central to all decision-making and strategic alignment.
Proactive Risk Management, Trade-offs, and Alignment: Proactively identify and assess potential risks across various dimensions, including technology readiness levels, project scope, upgrade timing, and resource allocation. Conduct thorough trade-off analyses to inform strategic decisions and mitigate potential roadblocks. A key responsibility will be to lead structured discussions to effectively resolve conflicts, foster consensus, and ensure consistent team alignment across all phases and stakeholder groups.
Process and Program Development for Scalability: Actively participate in and champion the development of scalable processes and adaptable program structures. These frameworks should be designed to effectively accommodate and facilitate the rapid pace of innovation inherent in advanced autonomy development, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and scalability.
Research to Implementation for Aircraft Upgrades: Interface with autonomy teams, diligently assessing the readiness level of new technologies and concepts. Collaborate closely with engineering and operations teams to develop comprehensive implementation plans that are tightly integrated with scheduled aircraft upgrades. This ensures that all advancements meet stringent regulatory requirements, operational needs, and market demands, successfully facilitating cutting-edge research into practical, certified applications.