Core Software Services Lead

Santa Cruz, CA eVTOL Full-time $183k to $252k Posted Apr 21, 2026
Apply on Joby Aviation (opens in a new tab) Sourced via careers-jobyaviation.icims.com · Posted 2026-04-21

About this role

Joby Aviation is hiring a Core Software Services Lead, full-time, on-site in Santa Cruz, CA, in the eVTOL sector.

Company Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

Joby’s Flight Research group is looking for a talented, driven individual to lead embedded software and avionics development for innovative aircraft configurations and automation solutions. This role combines hands-on technical contribution with some light management responsibilities to keep the team organized and productive. The lead will be a key stakeholder in defining integration paths and fostering collaboration across Flight Research and Joby. As an agile, and cohesive team, we value initiative, adaptability, and the ability to work across a broad range of disciplines to sustain program momentum.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and execution of embedded flight software and compute solutions for new aircraft and autonomy applications.

Provide technical leadership and mentorship for a small, multi-disciplinary team (embedded, electrical, avionics).

Drive critical software trade studies, architecture choices, and tool decisions.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams (GNC, Flight Test, Aero, Hardware, Program, etc.) on milestone execution, vehicle bring-up, and integration.

Contribute directly to the software architecture and codebase while supporting the team in delivering robust, reliable solutions.

Design and drive development of embedded systems test frameworks including automated testing, hardware in the loop testing, and software in the loop testing.

Required

Proven ability to balance leadership, management, and direct technical contribution in a fast-paced environment.

Strong background in real-time, safety-critical embedded software development.

Experience developing and integrating fit-to-purpose compute solutions.

Experience with hardened/real time linux platforms.

Expert-level in C++, Python, and Git.

Track record of bringing complex products to market.

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

Experience contributing to developer experience (DevX) workstreams, including CI/CD pipelines, and associated tooling to support a high-performing software team.

Proven track record of leading agile software teams in robotics, ground vehicles, or aerospace applications in a fast-paced environment.

Experience with the Bazel build system.

Experience with Rust

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $183,000 - $252,000/yr. 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.

Additional Information

Description from Joby Aviation's official posting. Always confirm details on the company careers page.

Apply on Joby Aviation Applications go directly to Joby Aviation. Curated by Larry Sherwood Jr.

About Joby Aviation

Joby Aviation

eVTOL air taxi developer with FAA Part 135 certification and Toyota partnership. Santa Cruz, CA.

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Larry Sherwood Jr.

About Larry Sherwood Jr.

Talent Acquisition Leader specializing in mobility, EV, and frontier tech. 1,000+ hires across roles ranging from production technicians to VPs, including 48 hires for the AFEELA U.S. launch at Sony Honda Mobility (98% offer acceptance, $1.5M+ agency savings). SHRM-CP certified. Build recruiting functions from scratch, no agencies.

SONY HONDA MOBILITYFISKERSHRM-CP1,000+ HIRES

Currently open to senior TA leadership roles in the United States. larrysherwoodjr.com · Resume (PDF)

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