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Flight Research Test Pilot

Joby Aviation • Concord, California, United States

remotefull-time

Salary: $97,000 - $167,000 / year

Posted Apr 25, 2026Apply by Apr 25, 2027

**Role & seniority: ** Test Pilot (R&D; pilot-in-command duties). Seniority level not explicitly stated; requires 3+ years test pilot experience and 5+ years aviation operations.

**Stack/tools: ** Primarily aviation systems and test tooling, including creation of test plans/cards/reports; data analysis for flight test. (No software stack specified in posting.)

**Top 3 responsibilities: **

  • Act as airborne or remote Pilot-in-Command for multiple R&D platforms (primary focus: Cessna Caravan).

  • Execute flight testing per SOPs/regulations and maintain strong safety culture.

  • Plan, conduct, and report experiments: create test documentation, perform post-test data analysis, and provide engineering feedback.

  • Must-have skills:

    • FAA Commercial Pilot certificate; Instrument Airplane rating.

    • 750+ hours PIC and 100+ hours turbine time.

    • 3+ years test pilot experience; 5+ years aviation operations.

    • English proficiency (read/speak), strong interpersonal skills, ability to work extended hours and travel as required.

    • Ability to meet US Person export control compliance (22 C.F.R. §120.15).

  • Nice-to-haves:

    • SETP-recognized Test Pilot School graduate.

    • FAA Certified Flight Instructor.

    • Leadership experience in a flight test organization.

    • C-208 experience; experience in highly automated aircraft.

    • Operator experience with UAS systems.

  • **Location &

Full Description

Company Overview Joby Flight Research designs, develops, 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’s Flight Research team is looking for a Test Pilot to operate research and development crewed and UAS platforms, with the primary focus of the Cessna Caravan program. Drawing on experience crewed and UAS the role will fulfill pilot command duties during developmental and operational flight testing. Joining a small, fast moving team this position will support the full spectrum of test pilot duties as well as supporting engineering development activities.

Location: Concord, CA with <25% travel, will travel to occasional deployed testing including participation in military exercises. Responsibilities Act both as the airborne and remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms depending on the phase of the program Uphold standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements Uphold a strong safety culture Create test plans, cards, and reports Conduct data analysis Collaborate with other crewmembers in preparation, execution, and post test activities Provide detailed feedback and recommendations for system improvements Play an active role in engineering design activities with a particular emphasis on human interfaces and airspace integration Required FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate Instrument Airplane rating A minimum of 750 hours pilot in command (PIC) flight time and 100 hours of turbine time Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, preferably Engineering At least 5 years of experience in aviation operations At least 3 years of experience in as a test pilot Excellent interpersonal skills Ability to work extended hours and travel as required Read and speak English proficiently Willingness to work extended hours Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for business purposes 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 SETP recognized Test Pilot School Graduate FAA certified flight instructor Leadership positions in a flight test organization C-208 experience Experience in highly automated aircraft Experience as an operator/pilot of UAS system(s) Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $97,000 - $167,000/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. Additional Information Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Flight testingTest pilot dutiesCessna Caravan operationUAS operationTest plan creationData analysisEngineering designHuman interfacesAirspace integrationSafety cultureRegulatory complianceAviation operationsTurbine aircraft operationCrew resource managementmulti-location

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