Flight Research Airworthiness Strategy & Standards Lead
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 is seeking a highly skilled Flight Research Airworthiness Strategy & Standards Lead to guide our regulatory and experimental flight test frameworks. In this role, you will act as a primary strategist, shaping how we approach novel flight research and advanced operational testing. You will build coalitions across our engineering and flight test teams while representing Joby’s objectives within external standard-setting organizations. By developing practical, forward-thinking compliance strategies, you will play a key part in clearing the path for the future of autonomous and electric aviation.
Responsibilities:- Lead the development and execution of long-term airworthiness and regulatory strategies for complex flight research programs.
- Partner extensively with cross-functional teams (including flight test, autonomy, and systems engineering) to align research objectives with regulatory frameworks and ensure seamless execution of experimental operations.
- Represent Joby as a key contributor and advocate within industry standards bodies (e.g., ASTM, RTCA) and aviation rulemaking committees to influence future standards.
- Create and maintain formal networks with key decision-makers at regulatory agencies (FAA, EASA) to advance testing of advanced aircraft capabilities, including Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and autonomous operations.
- Guide the preparation, review, and submission of experimental airworthiness approvals, Program Letters, and operational exemptions. Translate highly complex, ambiguous regulatory challenges into clear, actionable engineering and operational requirements.
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aviation, or a related technical field.
- 12+ years of relevant industry experience focused on airworthiness, certification strategy, or experimental flight research.
- Proven track record of actively contributing to or leading initiatives within aviation standards organizations or rulemaking committees.
- Deep expertise in experimental airworthiness procedures, flight testing regulations (e.g., FAA Order 8130.34), and navigating complex regulatory approvals.
- Demonstrated ability to build consensus across multidisciplinary internal teams and effectively communicate strategic vision to executive leadership and regulatory authorities.
- Pursuant to various local, state, and federal regulations, you must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) to be eligible for this position.
- Advanced degree in a relevant engineering, aviation, or regulatory discipline.
- Extensive experience drafting and securing advanced operational exemptions (e.g., 49 U.S.C. §44807) or navigating the CMD process for novel aircraft architectures.
- Prior experience acting in a leadership capacity within standards bodies (e.g., Committee Chair or Working Group Lead).
- Experience with Military Flight Release (MFR) or Airworthiness Release (AWR) approvals.
Please still apply if you don’t meet all items in the desired qualifications section! If you’re excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles.
Additional Information:Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $139,100 - $307,700/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.
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.