Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems)

Santa Cruz, CA eVTOL Full-time $90k to $144k Posted Oct 14, 2026
Apply on Joby Aviation (opens in a new tab) Sourced via careers-jobyaviation.icims.com · Posted 2026-10-14

About this role

Joby Aviation is hiring a Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems), 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. Since 2009, our team has worked steadily to make this dream a reality. We’ve designed and tested many generations of prototype aircraft capable of serving in a network of electric air taxis. We’re looking for talented, committed individuals to join our team as we push onward toward certifying the Joby aircraft, scaling our manufacturing, and launching our initial commercial service.

Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking a highly organized, passionate individual to join our Testing Team. As part of this team, you will perform validation and verification testing of flight-critical components and sub-systems for VTOL electric aircraft. The data collected during these tests will inform the company’s hardware design efforts and pave the way to production ready hardware.

Responsibilities

Create, and mentor others in the creation of, test setups for validation and verification of aircraft hardware

Work closely with the Airframe and Actuators, Propulsion and Avionics, and Software teams to capture the nuances of components, system architectures, and operating conditions to build representative tests

Develop formal test plans, test procedures, instrumentation plans, test stand/fixture designs, data acquisition architectures, and necessary tools for thorough and repeatable testing

Analyze data collected during testing to generate reports providing quantifiable feedback to engineering teams for hardware optimization

Manage project status and timelines for the Testing Team and collaborate with Team Leads to ensure proper resource allocation to de-risk critical paths

Create and implement tools to maximize Testing Team productivity

Manage hardware needs for the Testing Team and provide recommendations for investment

Required

Bachelor’s degree + 2 years of experience, or Advanced degree with relevant university project experience (or equivalent work experience)

Experience with hardware testing in a laboratory environment

Electromechanical or robotics experience, with familiarity in servo actuation concepts

Experience performing verification and validation testing of mechanical and electromechanical systems

Ability to perform hands-on testing, including setting up and executing tests with test hardware and data acquisition systems

Proficiency in using LabVIEW for data collection and DIAdem or MATLAB for data processing

Experience with mechanical design, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and manufacturing drawing creation

Strong analytical background with excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills

Desired

Experience with industrial test laboratory environments and procedures

Experience with high-voltage systems

Project management experience

Experience with Dassault Systèmes CATIA (specifically Generative Shape Design, Part Design, and Assembly Design)

Hands-on machine shop skills using a lathe, mill, welder, and other fabrication equipment

Aircraft homebuilding or rapid prototyping experience

Familiarity with aircraft FAA certification processes

Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $90,100 - $143,500/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.

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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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