Technical Program Manager, Special Projects

Joby Aviation•Santa Cruz, CA

1d•$126,600 - $219,300

About The Position

Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations. Joby is seeking a passionate, driven, entrepreneurial Technical Program Manager to own the integrated development program for a confidential, strategically important new business. The role requires a candidate who thrives in uncertainty, can connect technical readiness with product and service maturation, and can drive alignment across diverse stakeholders - from hardware and software engineering teams to external partners and customers. This role will report directly to the Head of Aircraft Development and dotted line to the General Manager, and will own the program plan end to end: aircraft systems development, software, payload integration, test campaigns, and the path to operational service. This is a high-ownership role for a structured operator who can hold the whole program in their head while driving the details every week.

Requirements

4+ years of technical program management experience
3+ years of engineering experience, ideally in an aerospace & defense program
Proven program management experience in advanced technology development - ideally space, aviation, autonomy, 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: embedded systems, autonomy/AI, controls, sensing technologies, aerospace systems, wireless communications / RF systems
Experience with vertical integration, supply chain and manufacturing management
Exceptional communication skills: able to engage executive leadership, deep technical teams, and external partners with equal fluency
Demonstrated ability to drive decision-making across stakeholders with diverse priorities
High-ownership mindset: proactive, reliable, detail-oriented, and comfortable operating in ambiguity
Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field

Nice To Haves

Experience bringing complex hardware/software products through development, integration, and external partnerships
Advanced degree preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Drive the integrated program schedule: Take ownership of the development plan spanning hardware, software, systems integration, and validation, driving the evolving plan toward full readiness for customers. You will build robust planning frameworks with cross-functional stakeholders, support the development and validation of requirements, and establish comprehensive plans for service introduction
Cross-functional integration and bridge-building: Serve as the essential integrator across aircraft development, payload development, systems engineering, aircraft and platform integration, flight test, and commercial/business development. This requires enough technical fluency to hold credible conversations with deep technical teams, flight test teams, and external technology partners - while keeping program outcomes central to decision-making
Operate without a playbook: Operate at the forefront of a category that doesn't have an established playbook. Scope, prioritize, and problem-solve complex challenges with cross-functional project teams from inception through testing and field introduction, with continuous, proactive management of program risk
Proactive risk management: Identify and assess risk across technology readiness, work scope, manufacturing readiness, partner dependencies, and resource allocation. Run structured trade-off analyses to inform strategic decisions, resolve conflicts, build consensus, and keep teams aligned across all phases and stakeholder groups
Coordinate external technical partnerships: Support engagements with technology suppliers, partners, and customers - translating between partner requirements and internal development plans, and ensuring commitments on both sides are tracked and met
Build processes and program structures for scale: Champion the development of scalable processes and adaptable program roadmaps designed to accommodate a rapid pace of innovation and commercialization
Partner with the Business Team: Serve as the source of truth on program timelines for commercial and government engagements - informing what the business can commit to, by when, and at what confidence level