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Embedded Software Engineer

Joby Aviation

Santa Cruz, CA · Posted October 22, 2026

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Pay compared with the market

This listing does not state pay. Across 42 open embedded software engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $119,500 to $178,000 and the median is $144,000.

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About the job

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. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

In this role you will be involved in the architecture and implementation of the embedded software at the heart of Joby Aviation aircraft. You will play a key role in a small, fast-moving team and have input into conceptual system design and implementation of embedded software for a wide range of embedded systems. Their role will be to design and implement versions of all our existing embedded systems currently on the Joby aircraft to be specific for a range of manufacturing and test applications. This will require a deep understanding of the various embedded systems on the aircraft and how to creatively reconfigure them for new applications and usages.

Responsibilities

Architect, design, and implement low-level embedded software powering core airborne systems and aircraft functionality

Adapt and reconfigure existing aircraft embedded software systems to support dedicated manufacturing, tooling, and specialized test applications

Contribute technical insights to conceptual system design discussions within a fast-moving, cross-functional engineering team

Deliver robust, production-ready embedded software tailored to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test setups, automated test equipment, and factory line operations

Analyze embedded flight systems and protocols to diagnose technical issues, optimize system performance, and repurpose firmware for novel operational usages

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, Mathematics, Robotics, or a related technical field with 3+ years of relevant industry experience in embedded software development; or a Master’s degree in a related technical field with 1+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent demonstrated experience through a robust portfolio of designed and deployed embedded software systems

Demonstrated knowledge of C++ and object-oriented programming and methodology with some experience with multi-layered system architectures

Understanding of hardware from an embedded software engineer's perspective

Experience with modern integrated development environments and debuggers

Hands-on experience with test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, voltmeters, etc.

Understanding of modern microcontroller and microprocessor architectures such as ARM

Cortex-M0/M3/M4/A8/A9

Knowledge of and experience with communication protocols including I2C, CAN, SPI, UART, etc.

A positive attitude and a passion for aerospace

Ability to be onsite in Santa Cruz, CA 3 days a week

Desired

Knowledge of and experience with real-time operating systems

Experience with safety-critical embedded systems

Exposure to the software development process and modern software engineering techniques

Experience with DO178C process, requirements authoring and verification

Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $108,200 - $166,700/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.

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer