Equipment Design Engineer (Mechanical/Electro-mechanical)

Santa Cruz, CA eVTOL Full-time $113k to $195k Posted Aug 31, 2026
Apply on Joby Aviation (opens in a new tab) Sourced via careers-jobyaviation.icims.com · Posted 2026-08-31

About this role

Joby Aviation is hiring a Equipment Design Engineer (Mechanical/Electro-mechanical), 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 Aviation is seeking a highly organized, passionate individual to join our Testing Team. As part of this team, you will design hardware to assemble, install, and perform validation and verification testing of flight-critical components and systems for VTOL electric aircraft. Work includes detailed CAD design of parts and subassemblies, hands-on prototyping and integration, and on-the-fly modifications to match hardware evolutions.

Responsibilities

Create and mentor others in the design of hardware to assemble, install, and perform validation and verification testing of flight-critical components and systems

Work closely with Airframe, Actuators, Propulsion, Avionics, and Software teams to capture component nuances, system architectures, and operating conditions

Develop test stand and fixture designs, drawing packages, BOMs, and assembly instructions

Procure hardware from suppliers and coordinate manufacturing with internal and external shops

Review equipment designs for team members and provide constructive feedback

Lead design integration to ensure systems meet initial requirements, adapting designs on the fly as hardware evolves

Manage project status, timelines, and resource allocation in collaboration with Team Leads to de-risk critical paths

Create and implement tools to maximize productivity across the Equipment Design Team

Manage hardware needs for the Equipment Design Team and recommend strategic investments

Required

B.S. in Engineering with 5+ years of relevant experience, M.S. with 4+ years, or equivalent practical experience

Demonstrated experience in mechanical design, CAD modeling, and manufacturing drawing creation including GD&T standards

Experience in mechanical design and fabrication of heavily loaded structures and high-precision electro-mechanical components

Proficiency in mathematical and physical stress analyses for load, fatigue, and wear evaluation

Familiarity with concepts of servo actuation and robotics

Strong problem-solving, trade-off analysis, and decision-making skills under schedule constraints

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to manage cross-functional relationships

Hands-on attitude and practical machine shop experience (lathe, mill, welder)

Desired

Experience with electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and layout drawings in AutoCAD (or equivalent)

Experience with High and Low Voltage systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and weldment fabrication

Proficiency in Dassault Systèmes CATIA (specifically Generative Shape Design, Part Design, and Assembly Design)

Experience managing projects from initial concept through final commissioning

Hands-on experience with aircraft homebuilding, rapid prototyping, FEM, or modal analysis for vibration test fixtures

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $112,600 - $194,700/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

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Curated by Larry Sherwood Jr. on the free Mobility Jobs board. Pulled nightly from company applicant tracking systems. Apply directly on the source link above to be considered.