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.