R&D Technician

R&D Technician

Job Locations US-CA-Watsonville

ID 2026-5374 Category Flight Research Type Regular Full-Time

Company Overview 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.

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented R&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&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.

Responsibilities

• Build, install, and integrate mechanical and electrical systems on a prototype aircraft
• Fabricate brackets, fixtures, and tooling as needed to keep the build moving, using manual machining, welding, sheet metal, and additive
• Fabricate, route, clamp, and terminate wire harnesses; troubleshoot continuity, shorts, grounding, and connector faults
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and integrated systems issues on the vehicle and drive to root cause with engineering
• Work directly from CAD, drawings, and engineer direction, typically ahead of fully released definition
• Identify interferences, fit issues, and design problems during install and bring engineering a proposed fix, not just a problem
• Support systems checkout, functional testing, and ground test operations
• Maintain tool control, FOD discipline, and a safe, organized work area

Required

• 6+ years hands-on experience building and troubleshooting complex electromechanical hardware in aircraft, spacecraft, motorsport, robotics, or a comparable low-volume prototype environment
• High School Diploma or GED
• 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
• Strong technical problem solving; able to isolate a fault from symptoms rather than from a procedure
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams
• Excellent mechanical craftsmanship and attention to detail on flight hardware
• Self-directed and comfortable being the most experienced technician on the floor
• Strong verbal and written communication; you will interface with engineers continuously
• 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
• Ability to distinguish wire colors and component markings
• Willingness to support occasional extended hours, weekend work, or off-nominal test and flight research schedules as needed
• Occasional travel for test site support, less than 10%

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

• Manual mill and lathe
• Welding, TIG preferred, on aluminum, steel, and/or titanium
• Wire harness fabrication and troubleshooting: crimping, potting, MIL-spec connectors
• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license
• Additive manufacturing experience, including design for print
• CAD proficiency in any package; able to model simple parts and fixtures
• Sheet metal layout, forming, and punch work
• Fluid and pneumatic system assembly: tube bending, AN/MS fittings, proof and leak checks
• Torque-critical and safety-of-flight assembly practice
• Instrumentation installation: thermocouples, strain gauges, pressure transducers
• High voltage safety awareness and experience around energized systems
• Rigging, hoisting, and handling of large assemblies
• Prior NPI, R&D, flight test, or experimental aircraft experience
• Composite layup, bonding, and repair

Additional Information 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. 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

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