Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems)

jobyaviation· Testing
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📍 Santa Cruz, CA, USFULL TIME💰 USD 90K–144K

About this role

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.

 

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems) role at jobyaviation?
The listed salary for this Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems) position at jobyaviation is USD 90K–144K. This is an FULL TIME role.
Where is the Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems) position at jobyaviation located?
This Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems) role at jobyaviation is based in Santa Cruz, CA, US. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems) role at jobyaviation full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a FULL TIME position. It is posted as a Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems) role in the Testing department at jobyaviation.
Which team or department does the Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems) at jobyaviation belong to?
This Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems) position is part of the Testing department at jobyaviation. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems) position at jobyaviation?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to jobyaviation's official application portal hosted on icims where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems) job at jobyaviation posted?
This Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems) position at jobyaviation was posted on Oct 14, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems)
jobyaviation · 💰 USD 90K–144K
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