Staff Technical Program Manager, Advanced Manufacturing

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Technical Program Manager to lead the development, maturation, and industrialization of advanced joining technologies for high-performance thermoplastic composite aircraft structures. This role will be responsible for defining and executing technology development programs focused on joining carbon fiber reinforced PEEK, PEKK, and other high-performance thermoplastic materials using welding and consolidation processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical strategy, planning, and execution of development programs focused on thermoplastic composite joining technologies for aerospace structures.
• Develop and mature manufacturing processes utilizing resistance, induction, ultrasonic, laser, conduction, and other thermoplastic welding and consolidation methods.
• Define and execute material characterization and test programs to establish preliminary design allowables and joint performance databases across relevant loading and environmental conditions.
• Develop formal manufacturing process specifications, work instructions, qualification plans, and supporting technical documentation suitable for production and certification.
• Cook up multidisciplinary teams spanning design engineering, materials engineering, manufacturing engineering, testing, quality, and certification to achieve program objectives.
• Provide technical leadership in process development, fixture design, equipment selection, process controls, and manufacturability for thermoplastic composite assemblies.
• Serve as the technical interface with equipment suppliers, research organizations, universities, and industry partners supporting technology maturation.
• Drive project execution through schedule management, technical risk reduction, resource planning, milestone tracking, and executive communication.
• Remain actively engaged in laboratory and manufacturing development activities, participating directly in process development, testing, troubleshooting, and validation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Advanced Degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience developing aerospace structures, manufacturing processes, or advanced composite technologies.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary aerospace technology development programs from concept through qualification.
• Deep understanding of high-performance thermoplastic composites including carbon fiber reinforced PEEK, PEKK, PEAK, and related materials.
• Extensive experience with thermoplastic joining technologies including one or more of: Resistance welding, Induction welding, Ultrasonic welding, Laser welding, Thermal consolidation, Automated joining processes.
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials and process development, qualification methodologies, and certification best practices.
• Experience developing manufacturing process specifications, qualification plans, and engineering standards.
• Familiarity with composite structural testing, mechanical characterization, environmental conditioning, and statistical analysis of material performance.
• Excellent technical communication skills with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams and communicate with executive leadership.
• Willingness to work onsite in Santa Cruz, California, with significant laboratory and manufacturing floor engagement.

Desired

• 20+ years of experience developing aerospace structures, manufacturing processes, or advanced composite technologies.
• Knowledge of FAA or military certification approaches for composite structures.
• Experience establishing structural design allowables and supporting certification by analysis and test.
• Familiarity with automated composite manufacturing equipment, robotics, and process automation.
• Experience working with research organizations, government programs, or technology maturation initiatives.
• Demonstrated success transitioning emerging manufacturing technologies into production environments.

Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $156,000 - $214,500. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more. Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.