Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot
Joby Aviation · Concord, CA
- On site
- Full-time
- $180,000 / year
- Concord, CA
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Job highlights
- Operate R&D aircraft as remote pilot.
- Support flight test operations in airspace.
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures.
- Collaborate with engineers and support teams.
- Must meet US Person export control requirements.
About the role
Flight Research Remote Pilot
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 remote pilot to operate our research and development aircraft with the Flight Test team. This role will primarily be a remote pilot of our Superpilot equipped Cessna Caravans. Drawing on past experience operating manned aircraft or Group 5 UAS in the national airspace, the role will fulfill pilot command duties in support of flight test operations in the National Airspace System. Additionally, the applicant will be responsible for the continued development and implementation of standard operating procedures to support the evolving project. Joining a small, fast moving team this position will support additional responsibilities and tasks such as hands on work with the aircraft and ground support equipment, upholding strong safety culture, and support pre and post test activities with engineers.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the remote pilot in command (RPIC) for various R&D aircraft platforms, both in solo operational roles and as part of a multi-person crew during test operations.
- Execute comprehensive preflight planning and system inspections.
- Contribute to test planning and participate in mission rehearsals.
- Generate detailed post-flight reports for internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Lead crew members through all phases of test preparation, execution, and post-test analysis.
Required
- Current Class 2 medical
- STEM bachelor’s degree or a nontechnical bachelor’s with experience in engineering flight tests of air vehicles larger than 1000 lb
- For candidates with more than 100 hr piloting Group 3+ UAS: Must hold a Part 61 pilot certificate (Private or better) Airplane SE or ME Land, and an instrument rating, and logged at least 300 hr of flight time, and a combined UAS Pilot+ logged flight time greater than 500 hr.
- For candidates with less than 100 hr piloting Group 3+ UAS: Must hold a Part 61 Commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating, or ATP, and logged more than 700 hrs.
- Be able to articulate why you are uniquely qualified to make the transition large UAS with highly complex systems in a dynamic environment.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work extended hours and travel as required, which is expected between 10-25% of time.
- Read and speak English proficiently.
- 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
- Previous support of new aircraft or systems development, ideally in an operations capacity.
- Acceptance testing experience.
- Experience with flight test engineering.
- Development standard operating procedures.
- Experience with systems engineering.
- A&P or similar experience.
- Experience in aircraft, ground station, and/or subsystem design and build.
Compensation
Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $139,700 - $237,000/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.
Key skills/competency
- Remote Pilot In Command
- Flight Test Operations
- National Airspace System
- UAS Operations
- Aircraft Systems
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Flight Planning
- Safety Culture
- Test Reporting
- Pilot Command Duties
Skills & topics
- Remote Pilot
- Flight Research
- UAS Operations
- Flight Test
- Aerospace
- Aviation
- Pilot
- Autonomy
- Systems Engineering
- National Airspace
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight specific pilot experience, UAS operations, and flight test involvement. Quantify achievements in flight hours and system complexity.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Clearly articulate your unique qualifications for transitioning to complex UAS operations and your understanding of the National Airspace System.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience with preflight planning, system inspections, and post-flight reporting. Demonstrate knowledge of aircraft systems and safety protocols.
- Showcase interpersonal skills: Emphasize your ability to lead crews, collaborate with engineers, and communicate effectively during dynamic test operations.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key pilot qualifications for the Flight Research Remote Pilot role at Joby Aviation?
- To be considered for the Flight Research Remote Pilot position at Joby Aviation, candidates typically need a current Class 2 medical certificate, a STEM bachelor's degree, and a specific amount of flight time and UAS piloting experience. Depending on prior UAS piloting hours, requirements include either a Part 61 Private Pilot certificate or a Commercial Pilot certificate with an instrument rating, along with extensive logged flight hours.
- How does Joby Aviation define a 'US Person' for this Flight Research Remote Pilot position?
- Joby Aviation defines a 'US Person' for this Flight Research Remote Pilot role in accordance with US export control compliance requirements. This typically includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.15.
- What is the expected travel percentage for the Flight Research Remote Pilot role at Joby Aviation?
- The Flight Research Remote Pilot role at Joby Aviation involves travel between 10-25% of the time. Candidates should be prepared to work extended hours and travel as required to support flight test operations.
- What is the target base pay range for the Flight Research Remote Pilot at Joby Aviation?
- The target base pay for the Flight Research Remote Pilot position at Joby Aviation ranges from $139,700 to $237,000 annually. The final compensation package will be determined based on individual job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
- What kind of experience is considered 'desired' for the Flight Research Remote Pilot position at Joby Aviation?
- Desired experience for the Flight Research Remote Pilot at Joby Aviation includes previous support for new aircraft or systems development, especially in an operations capacity. Experience in acceptance testing, flight test engineering, developing standard operating procedures, systems engineering, or A&P mechanics is also highly valued.