<h2>Company Overview</h2><p>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. </p><h2>Overview</h2><p>Joby Aviation is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented R&amp;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&amp;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.</p><h2>Responsibilities</h2><ul> <li>Build, install, and integrate mechanical and electrical systems on a prototype aircraft</li> <li>Fabricate brackets, fixtures, and tooling as needed to keep the build moving, using manual machining, welding, sheet metal, and additive</li> <li>Fabricate, route, clamp, and terminate wire harnesses; troubleshoot continuity, shorts, grounding, and connector faults</li> <li>Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and integrated systems issues on the vehicle and drive to root cause with engineering</li> <li>Work directly from CAD, drawings, and engineer direction, typically ahead of fully released definition</li> <li>Identify interferences, fit issues, and design problems during install and bring engineering a proposed fix, not just a problem</li> <li>Support systems checkout, functional testing, and ground test operations</li> <li>Maintain tool control, FOD discipline, and a safe, organized work area</li></ul><h2>Required</h2><ul> <li>6+ years hands-on experience building and troubleshooting complex electromechanical hardware in aircraft, spacecraft, motorsport, robotics, or a comparable low-volume prototype environment</li> <li>High School Diploma or GED</li> <li>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</li> <li>Strong technical problem solving; able to isolate a fault from symptoms rather than from a procedure</li> <li>Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams</li> <li>Excellent mechanical craftsmanship and attention to detail on flight hardware</li> <li>Self-directed and comfortable being the most experienced technician on the floor</li> <li>Strong verbal and written communication; you will interface with engineers continuously</li> <li>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</li> <li>Ability to distinguish wire colors and component markings</li> <li>Willingness to support occasional extended hours, weekend work, or off-nominal test and flight research schedules as needed</li> <li>Occasional travel for test site support, less than 10%</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>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.</strong></p><h2>Desired</h2><ul> <li>Manual mill and lathe</li> <li>Welding, TIG preferred, on aluminum, steel, and/or titanium</li> <li>Wire harness fabrication and troubleshooting: crimping, potting, MIL-spec connectors</li> <li>FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&amp;P) license</li> <li>Additive manufacturing experience, including design for print</li> <li>CAD proficiency in any package; able to model simple parts and fixtures</li> <li>Sheet metal layout, forming, and punch work</li> <li>Fluid and pneumatic system assembly: tube bending, AN/MS fittings, proof and leak checks</li> <li>Torque-critical and safety-of-flight assembly practice</li> <li>Instrumentation installation: thermocouples, strain gauges, pressure transducers</li> <li>High voltage safety awareness and experience around energized systems</li> <li>Rigging, hoisting, and handling of large assemblies</li> <li>Prior NPI, R&amp;D, flight test, or experimental aircraft experience</li> <li>Composite layup, bonding, and repair</li></ul><h2>Additional Information</h2><p>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<strong>. </strong>The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.</p><p>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.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer</strong></p>

Joby Aviation develops a new generation of electric personal aircraft created to revolutionize personal mobility. Its strength is in composite airframe design and fabrication, aerodynamic analysis, high-performance electric motor development, and cutting-edge battery pack design, enabling clients to create a paradigm shift in transportation with safe, quiet, fast and affordable electric vertical takeoff.

R&D Technician

About the Job

About the Company

Joby Aviation

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