Flight Test Instrumentation Systems Lead

About the role

Joby Aviation is seeking a highly motivated Flight Test Instrumentation Systems Lead to lead our Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) & Ground Control Station teams. This role combines technical leadership and people management in a fast-paced flight test environment supporting both developmental and certification programs. You will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for the design, integration, operation, and maintenance of instrumentation, telemetry, and ground control stations across the flight test fleet. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong cross-functional collaboration, technical depth, and the ability to execute and lead in rapidly evolving test environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of engineers and technicians responsible for FTI, telemetry, and Ground Control Stations
• Establish team priorities, workflows, and staffing plans aligned with flight test program needs
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and technical excellence
• Own the architecture, design, integration, and maintenance of all flight test instrumentation systems
• Oversee data acquisition systems, sensors, signal conditioning, telemetry, and onboard recording systems
• Ensure instrumentation readiness, calibration, and reliability for all flight test operations
• Plan and manage FTI schedules, budgets, and resource allocation across multiple test campaigns
• Drive coordination across flight test engineering, aircraft integration, maintenance, systems engineering and the program office
• Develop and maintain processes for design, installation, configuration control, calibration, and maintenance of FTI systems
• Ensure traceability and compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements (FAA/EASA)
• Guide the design of development of hardware and software solutions supporting flight test instrumentation and telemetry
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies and tools to improve data quality, efficiency, and scalability
• Provide technical oversight for troubleshooting, anomaly resolution, and root cause investigations

Requirements

• 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:
  • Flight Test Instrumentation systems design and integration
  • Data acquisition hardware, telemetry systems, and sensor integration
  • Instrumentation installation, calibration, and maintenance
• Strong understanding of:
  • Flight test processes and aircraft integration
  • Configuration management and documentation practices
  • Data quality, validation, and traceability in test environments
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, rapidly changing flight test environment

Qualifications

• 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

Pay

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $171,200 - $234,300/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off
• Healthcare benefits
• 401(k) plan with a company match
• Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Life insurance