R&D Technician

Company Overview

Joby Flight Research designs, develops, builds, 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.

Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented R&D Technician to join our Flight Research team in Watsonville, CA. This role will support the build, integration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and test of electrical and electro-mechanical systems used across Joby’s aircraft, labs, test assets, and flight research activities.The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D environment, can interpret engineering drawings and schematics, and enjoys collaborating directly with engineers, pilots, test teams, and technicians. This position is intended for a senior level technician who can work independently, support complex builds and test setups, and help mentor other technicians while maintaining a strong focus on safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Build, install, and integrate mechanical and electrical systems on a prototype aircraft

• Fabricate brackets, fixtures, and tooling as needed to keep the build moving, using manual machining, welding, sheet metal, and additive

• Fabricate, route, clamp, and terminate wire harnesses; troubleshoot continuity, shorts, grounding, and connector faults

• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and integrated systems issues on the vehicle and drive to root cause with engineering

• Work directly from CAD, drawings, and engineer direction, typically ahead of fully released definition

• Identify interferences, fit issues, and design problems during install and bring engineering a proposed fix, not just a problem

• Support systems checkout, functional testing, and ground test operations

• Maintain tool control, FOD discipline, and a safe, organized work area

Required

• 6+ years hands-on experience building and troubleshooting complex electromechanical hardware in aircraft, spacecraft, motorsport, robotics, or a comparable low-volume prototype environment

• High School Diploma or GED

• Ability to work from incomplete and evolving engineering definition: make sound decisions with partial information, recognize what is missing, and close it out with the responsible engineer

• Strong technical problem solving; able to isolate a fault from symptoms rather than from a procedure

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams

• Excellent mechanical craftsmanship and attention to detail on flight hardware

• Self-directed and comfortable being the most experienced technician on the floor

• Strong verbal and written communication; you will interface with engineers continuously

• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs unassisted, and to perform hands-on work that may include standing, bending, reaching, stooping, crawling, and working in tight spaces

• Ability to distinguish wire colors and component markings

• Willingness to support occasional extended hours, weekend work, or off-nominal test and flight research schedules as needed

• Occasional travel for test site support, less than 10%

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. “US Person” includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.

Desired

• Manual mill and lathe

• Welding, TIG preferred, on aluminum, steel, and/or titanium

• Wire harness fabrication and troubleshooting: crimping, potting, MIL-spec connectors

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license

• Additive manufacturing experience, including design for print

• CAD proficiency in any package; able to model simple parts and fixtures

• Sheet metal layout, forming, and punch work

• Fluid and pneumatic system assembly: tube bending, AN/MS fittings, proof and leak checks

• Torque-critical and safety-of-flight assembly practice

• Instrumentation installation: thermocouples, strain gauges, pressure transducers

• High voltage safety awareness and experience around energized systems

• Rigging, hoisting, and handling of large assemblies

• Prior NPI, R&D, flight test, or experimental aircraft experience

• Composite layup, bonding, and repair

Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $48-$57/hr . 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