Senior/Staff Flight Research Test Pilot
Joby Aviation
Concord, CA · Posted October 22, 2026
Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks
See every open role at Joby Aviation
More in California job market · All Senior jobs (401) · Aerospace & Defense · Research jobs
More roles at Joby Aviation
- Senior Flight Test Engineer · Marina, CA
- Autonomy Senior Machine Learning Engineer · Santa Cruz, CA
- Senior Test Equipment Design Engineer - Powertrain & Electronics · San Carlos, CA
- Systems Engineering Lead · Santa Cruz, CA
- Staff Software Systems Engineer, Motor Controls · San Carlos, CA
- Flight Research Test Pilot · Concord, CA
Similar jobs
- Senior Statistical Scientist · University Of California San Francisco Foundation · San Francisco, CA
- Research Scientist, Life Sciences · Anthropic · San Francisco, CA
- Scientist - Scientist VI · General Atomics · San Diego, CA
- Senior Statistical Scientist · University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, CA
- Additive Technologies Principal Investigator 4 · Northrop Grumman Systems · Sunnyvale, CA
- Senior Research Scientist · Veeco Instruments · San Jose, CA
Pay compared with the market
This listing does not state pay. Across 168 open senior listings that state pay, the middle half runs $180,000 to $254,000 and the median is $214,000.
Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.
About the job
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 your experience from (ideally) 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
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 second class (or better) medical certificate
A minimum of 1500 hours pilot in command (PIC) flight time and 300 hours of turbine time
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, preferably Engineering
At least 8 years of experience in flight test position
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 $149,000 - $255,000/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.