Test Engineer (Structures) Entry Level

$70,600 - $112,700/Yr

Joby Aviation - Santa Cruz, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Santa Cruz, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

As a Structures Test Engineer at Joby Aviation, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Airframe & Actuator Testing Team by testing structural and mechanical hardware for electric VTOL aircraft. This position involves designing and assembling test setups for both composite and metallic aircraft structures, ensuring that the data collected informs the company's hardware design efforts and contributes to the development of safe, production-ready airframes.

Responsibilities

• Execute and create tests to validate the characteristics of aircraft hardware by collaborating with hardware design, build, and test teams.
• Write test plans, test procedures, and design instrumentation for testing setups.
• Design test stands/fixtures and data acquisition architectures to facilitate thorough and repeatable testing.
• Analyze data collected during tests to generate reports that provide empirical feedback for hardware development, validation, and verification.

Requirements

• BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant discipline with an emphasis on Aerospace, Structures, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Hands-on experience with hardware, preferably in aircraft, composite materials, or electromechanical/robotics hardware.
• Ability to perform hands-on tasks including setting up and executing tests with test hardware and data acquisition.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Strong analytical background.
• Experience with data acquisition techniques, signal conditioning, and data processing techniques associated with sensors.
• Experience with mechanical design and drafting, including Computer Aided Design (CAD).

Nice-to-haves

• M.S. in a relevant discipline.
• 2+ years of work experience in a relevant industry.
• Experience with test laboratory environments and procedures.
• Experience working with instrumentation, strain gauges, potentiometers, signal conditioners, etc.
• Hands-on machine shop skills using lathe, mill, welder, and other machine shop equipment.
• Aircraft homebuilding or rapid prototyping experience.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Healthcare benefits
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Life insurance