As an Aircraft Performance Engineer at Joby, you will play a critical role in analyzing, modeling, and optimizing aircraft performance across all flight phases, including hover, takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, and landing. Utilizing your Python programming expertise, you will develop and maintain tools for performance analysis, data processing and simulation. This position supports flight test programs, certification processes and aircraft design by collaborating with operations, flight controls, aerodynamics, propulsion, flight test and other engineering teams to ensure compliance with performance requirements and regulatory standards.

•  Conduct aircraft performance analyses, including performance predictions, mission analysis simulations, and sensitivity studies. Evaluate hover, climb, descent, takeoff, landing, payload-range and endurance capabilities for compliance with company requirements and regulatory standards. Perform trade studies to assess the impact of design changes or operational strategies on performance. 
• Maintain tooling and updates for performance models using simulation and flight test data. Perform model validation using flight test data.  

• Develop performance information such as hover, takeoff, landing, climb, cruise charts for verifying company requirements and regulatory compliance.  
•  Develop and maintain Python-based aircraft performance analysis tools for Mission Analysis simulations, performance predictions, AFM chart creation, and sensitivity studies. Document tool functionality, validation processes, and user guides. Ensure tools are scalable, maintainable, and integrated with engineering workflows. 
•  Plan performance-related flight test activities to support envelope expansion, aircraft development, and certification programs. Define test objectives, scope, and schedules to validate performance parameters such as hover ceilings, takeoff and landing distances, climb rates, range and endurance. Coordinate with flight test teams to ensure alignment with program goals and regulatory requirements. 
•  Work closely with flight test engineers and other disciplines (e.g., aerodynamic modelling, flight controls, propulsion) to develop performance-related flight test procedures. Establish test conditions, limitations, and safety margins based on analytical models and simulations. Ensure procedures are robust, repeatable, and compliant with certification standards. 
•  Perform detailed post-flight data analysis for performance-related test activities. Process flight test data to evaluate aircraft performance metrics, validate predictions, and identify discrepancies. Use Python scripts to automate data reduction, generate visualizations, and produce reports for engineering and certification purposes. 

• Act as the performance subject matter expert during flight test campaigns. Participate in performance test safety reviews, flight readiness reviews, flight briefings/debriefings, and real-time test execution. Provide technical insights to resolve performance-related issues and ensure test objectives are met safely and efficiently. 
• Create comprehensive engineering documentation to support company deliverables and FAA/EASA certification requirements. Author and review documents such as the Flight Test Data Reduction/Data Analysis Methods manual, Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) performance sections, performance memos, and compliance artifacts. Ensure accuracy, traceability, and adherence to regulatory standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).   

• 3+ years of experience in aircraft performance analysis, flight test support, or aerospace engineering.   

• Advanced proficiency in Python for data analysis, tool development, and automation (experience with NumPy, Pandas, Plotly, or SciPy preferred).   

• In-depth knowledge of aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and aircraft performance principles.   

• Familiarity with aviation regulations (e.g., FAR/CS Part 23/25/27/29), particularly subpart B requirements and guidance.   

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical writing skills.   

• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.

• Experience with flight test data analysis, performance modeling, or certification processes.   

• Exposure to performance engineering for certification.  

• Knowledge of distributed electric propulsion systems and over-actuated fly-by-wire control systems. 

• Experience developing unit tests and CI/CD frameworks. 

• Familiarity with data science, machine learning, or optimization techniques applied to performance analysis.   

• Advanced degree or certifications in aerospace engineering or related fields. 

• Flight experience or knowledge of rotorcraft operations is a plus. 

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $113,900 - $187,400 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 Aviation is an equal opportunity employer.