Flight Test Instrumentation Systems Lead

Joby Aviation Joby Aviation · Robotics · Marina, CA · Flight Test

Lead a team responsible for flight test instrumentation, telemetry, and ground control stations in a fast-paced flight test environment, focusing on design, integration, operation, and maintenance of these systems for aircraft certification.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead, mentor, and grow a team of engineers and technicians responsible for FTI, telemetry, and Ground Control Stations
  2. Establish team priorities, workflows, and staffing plans aligned with flight test program needs
  3. Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and technical excellence
  4. Own the architecture, design, integration, and maintenance of all flight test instrumentation systems
  5. Oversee data acquisition systems, sensors, signal conditioning, telemetry, and onboard recording systems

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 10+ years of experience in flight test instrumentation, data acquisition, or related domains
  • Proven experience leading and developing technical teams in a flight test environment
  • Deep expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Strong understanding of:
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, rapidly changing flight test environment

Nice to have

  • Experience with LabVIEW or similar DAQ/software tools
  • Experience supporting FAA Part 23/25/27/29 or EASA certification programs
  • Knowledge of air data systems and calibration methods
  • Familiarity with aircraft wiring, avionics integration, and structural instrumentation (strain, pressure, vibration)
  • Experience with Ground Control Stations and telemetry infrastructure
  • Demonstrated success scaling teams and processes during rapid program growth

What the JD emphasized

  • 10+ years of experience in flight test instrumentation, data acquisition, or related domains
  • Proven experience leading and developing technical teams in a flight test environment
  • Deep expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Ensure traceability and compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements (FAA/EASA)