Npi Program Manager, Aircraft

Joby Aviation Joby Aviation · Robotics · Marina, CA · Central Aircraft OEM Support

Joby Aviation is seeking an NPI Program Manager to coordinate the introduction of new aircraft into production. This role involves managing engineering definition, manufacturing sequencing, material readiness, and checkout/inspection processes to ensure flight-ready prototypes are delivered. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in manufacturing, production, or program management, with a strong understanding of vehicle assembly processes and the ability to collaborate across multiple teams.

What you'd actually do

  1. Partner with the configuration management and engineering teams to ensure the product structure and BOM are accurate, complete, and in a state the floor can actually build from. Flag structural gaps, phantom assemblies, or unresolved effectivity before they create downstream confusion.
  2. Coordinate engineering support and off-aircraft activities, such as software changes, so they feed the line when the line needs them, not on their own schedule.
  3. Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to optimize the aircraft final assembly sequence based on aircraft test requirements, planned deviations, and structural, dimensional, or access constraints.
  4. Coordinate with DARs, airworthiness engineers, and quality so conformity inspection requirements are understood and planned for, and that deviations or dispositions with airworthiness implications, are appropriately approved.
  5. Work with quality and engineering to facilitate non-conformance and issue dispositions. Escalate needed engineering changes to solve recurrent problems.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related technical field — or equivalent experience gained through a manufacturing or production career
  • Experience coordinating across engineering, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain teams on a shared program schedule
  • Familiarity with BOM and product structure management, work order systems, and non-conformance disposition processes
  • Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems (D365, SAP, Oracle, or equivalent) and production scheduling or program management tools
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills; credible with mechanics and technicians on the floor and with senior engineering and program leadership in the room
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and thrive under tight timelines.

Nice to have

  • Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems, lean manufacturing principles, or formal build readiness review processes
  • Experience on an eVTOL, advanced air mobility, or clean-sheet aircraft development program through ground integration and handoff to flight test
  • Practical understanding of FAA or EASA airworthiness requirements as they apply to prototype or experimental aircraft builds, including the role of DARs and conformity inspection
  • Hands-on familiarity with on-aircraft integration testing — systems checkouts, functional verifications, and the GSE and software readiness requirements that support them
  • Experience with composite primary structure assembly, major join operations, or complex systems integration (hydraulics, fuel, flight controls, avionics)

What the JD emphasized

  • 8+ years of experience in manufacturing, production, or program management, with at least 3 years on vehicle development, prototype, or first-article programs
  • Working knowledge of vehicle assembly processes — structures, systems installation, wiring, and final assembly — sufficient to read a build sequence and understand its implications
  • Demonstrated ability to track and manage material readiness, parts shortages, and supplier delivery commitments against a live build schedule