Lead Embedded SW Engineer, Hardware Emulation

Santa Cruz, CA eVTOL Full-time $140k to $224k Posted Jul 10, 2026
Apply on Joby Aviation (opens in a new tab) Sourced via careers-jobyaviation.icims.com · Posted 2026-07-10

About this role

Joby Aviation is hiring a Lead Embedded SW Engineer, Hardware Emulation, 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

The Hardware Emulation Team develops hardware-in-the-loop testing infrastructure for testing the flight electronics used on the Joby aircraft. The emulators themselves are embedded systems which emulate the behavior of sensors, actuators, and other peripheral devices on the aircraft. Emulator development is cross-disciplinary, often requiring a keen understanding of topics such as motor control, sensor modeling, networking, digital signals, physical system modeling, embedded systems and automation.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a passionate HW Emulation Lead to join our Automation Development Engineering Team in Santa Cruz, CA. The Emulation Lead will direct and contribute to the small team responsible for thoroughly understanding the electrical and software architecture of the aircraft and developing emulators that provide appropriate functional testing and fault injection capabilities. This will involve frequent collaboration with members from other teams including Systems Engineering, Flight Physics, Simulation, FPGA Development, Electrical Engineering, Automation, Flight Software, Software Verification, and Certification.

We seek innovative self-starters who enjoy learning and working collaboratively. Developing modular, maintainable and well-documented software architectures is paramount.

Required

BS in electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, mechatronics or similar field and 7+ years of industry experience. An advanced degree and 5+ years of industry experience will also be considered

2+ years prior experience leading an embedded engineering development team

Expert knowledge of C++

Expert knowledge of object-oriented programming methodology and multi-layered system architectures

Experience with communication protocols including I2C, CAN, SPI, UART, etc.

Hands-on experience with test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, voltmeters, etc.

Ability to write software based on board schematics, datasheets, and hardware design documents

Ability to comprehend complex system requirements to provide emulation software requirements

Ability to understand written code in complex systems, perform code analysis, and distill information effectively

Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git)

Basic familiarity with Python

Desired

Experience with safety-critical embedded systems is a plus

Experience with unit testing, integration testing, and hardware-in-the-loop testing is a plus

Experience with DO-178C or similar assured software development process is a plus

Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $139,500 - $224,400/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.

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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