Systems Engineering Lead - Avionics - Joby Aviation

Joby Overview:Located in Northern California, the team at Joby Aviation is driven by our goal of creating an affordable, all-electric air transportation system. 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. Since 2009, our team has worked steadily to make this dream a reality. We’ve designed and tested many generations of prototype aircraft capable of serving in a network of electric air taxis. We’re looking for talented, committed individuals to join our team as we push onwards toward certifying the Joby aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration, scaling our manufacturing, and preparing to launch commercial service in 2025.Overview:

The Systems Engineers will own the architecture, integration, and life-cycle success of a single or multiple avionics systems, ranging from requirements management, development, certification, and entry into service. 

Joby Aviation is looking for a passionate Avionics Engineering leader to join our growing team. This is a leadership position that provides the engineer a chance to interact with many of the key teams and disciplines within the company.  The Systems Engineering Avionics Lead will provide technical guidance and coordination across the Avionics Systems, including interior and exterior lighting. This role will own the architecture, integration, and life-cycle success of the Avionics and lighting system, ranging from requirements management, development, certification, and entry into service.  This role will be responsible for leading the development and certification of systems and sub-systems and ensuring successful design validation and verification.  The Systems Engineering Avionics Lead will work very closely with FAA Engineers and Joby DERs to ensure the avionics systems comply with all federal airworthiness regulations.

 

This position requires a solid understanding of aircraft systems, system development, and industry specific certification processes. This position requires enough background knowledge and a willingness to learn to enable one to understand the complex trade-offs involved in the system design both within Avionics and across the aircraft systems as a whole.  

 

The most important traits at Joby are a positive attitude towards the project, strong work ethic, and being able to self-manage and learn new skills.  Forward thinking and the ability to adapt quickly to a fast-paced environment are a must.

Responsibilities:

The Systems Engineering Lead will be responsible for the following activities:

 

• Leading the Avionics system development activities defined by the Joby Product Development Process, including technical project management oversight
• Recruiting, developing, and managing a team of systems engineers to achieve company objectives by providing technical direction, monitoring progress, and problem solving
• Serving as the Avionics functional focal for Vendor or supplier management including coordination, scheduling, and contract management.
• Ensuring that systems, sub-systems, and associated hardware and software are designed, installed, and maintained in a manner that meets all company objectives and FAA certification requirements
• Developing and implementing the Avionics systems, including but not limited to:

  o Architecture and design trade studies in support of requirements validation

  o System schematics, interface control documents, and system design descriptions

  o System performance analyses

  o Systems integration testing

  o System functional testing

  o Failure modes and effects testing

  o System design reviews

  o System design reports

 

• Review, and approve:

  o System requirements

  o Validation and verification plans and evidence

  o System safety analyses

  o Engineering specifications

  o Installation, rigging, calibration, and maintenance procedures

  o System and equipment test plans and reports

  o Compliance documentation

• Serving as the Avionics functional focal for system and sub-system integration and coordination activities with various departments, suppliers and the certification authorities
• Coordinate as required to execute and manage system design projects, testing, certification, and production readiness
• Various project management tasks as required

Required:

• Expert-level understanding of the development and certification of complex, integrated, safety-critical aircraft systems
• Working knowledge of avionics, electrical systems, and related equipment, technical standard orders, and minimum performance standards
• Must be highly effective at leading technical professionals, including individual mentorship, task management, and skills and performance development
• Highly skilled at creating and reviewing technical schematics, interface control documents, logical and functional diagrams, and engineering specifications
• Expert-level understanding and application in practice of the SAE ARP 4754A and SAE ARP 4761 system development and development assurance processes
• Proficient in preparing and presenting design reviews for complex, highly integrated systems
• Proficient in managing complex sets of requirements
• Previous experience in system integration testing
• Excellent problem solving, communication, and technical writing skills
• Strong ability to communicate company objectives, technical content, and FAA certification requirements and expectations to a variety of stakeholders
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related technical discipline required; Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering preferred
• 8+ years of aviation or defense industry experience
• Proficient in English
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Docs

Desired:

• Working knowledge of DO-178C and DO-254 processes
• Working knowledge of RTCA/DO-160G environmental qualification standards
• Previous experience defining system controls, crew indications, and flight manual procedures
• Whole-aircraft FAA certification project experience, Part 23 or Part 27 preferred
• Working knowledge of FAA regulations, guidance material, and industry standards
• Experience and involvement with industry groups to develop consensus standards
• Master of Science in Systems Engineering or related discipline
• Private pilot certificate or higher
• Familiar with Dassault Systèmes engineering and management tools
• Familiar with Siemens Polarion requirements management tool 

 

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $148,200 - $231,000/year. The compensation package offered will be determined by location, 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.

 

 

EEO:

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.