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# Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems)

- **Company:** Joby Aviation
- **Location:** Santa Cruz, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $104,400.0 - $183,500.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, Data Analysis, Computer Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA), LabVIEW, MATLAB, Rapid Prototyping Process, Verification and Validation (Software), Systems Architecture, Data Processing, Hardware Testing, Generative AI, Diadem
- **Published:** September 24, 2026
- **Apply:** https://careers-jobyaviation.icims.com/jobs/5420/senior-test-engineer-(actuators-mechanical-systems)/job?mode=apply&apply=yes&in_iframe=1&hashed=-1834448039

## About the Role

* Experience with hardware testing in a laboratory environment
 * Electromechanical/robotics experience and familiarity with concepts of servo actuation
 * Experience performing verification and validation testing of mechanical and electro-mechanical systems
 * Ability to perform hands-on tests including setting up and executing tests with test hardware and data acquisition
 * Fluency using LabVIEW for data collection and DIAdem/MATLAB for data processing
 * Experience with mechanical design, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and manufacturing drawing creation
 * Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with a proven ability to manage working relationships across cross-functional teams
 * B.S. with 5+ years, M.S. with 3+ years relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Desired

 * Experience with industrial test laboratory environments and procedures
 * Experience with High Voltage systems
 * Project management experience
 * Experience with Dassault Systèmes CATIA, specifically using Generative Shape Design, Part Design, and Assembly Design
 * Hands-on machine shop skills using lathe, mill, welder, and other equipment
 * Aircraft homebuilding or rapid prototyping experience
 * Experience with aircraft FAA certification processes

## Description

* Create, and mentor others in the creation of, test setups for validation and verification of aircraft hardware
 * Work closely with the Airframe and Actuators, Propulsion and Avionics, and Software teams to capture the nuances of components, system architectures, and operating conditions, turning them into representative tests
 * Develop formal test plans, test procedures, instrumentation plans, test stand/fixture designs, data acquisition architectures, and any other necessary tools to allow for thorough and repeatable testing of specimens
 * Analyze data collected during tests to generate reports that provide quantifiable feedback to engineering teams allowing for hardware optimization
 * Manage project status and timelines for the Testing Team and collaborate with Team Lead to ensure proper resource allocation to de-risk critical paths
 * Create and implement tools to maximize Testing Team productivity
 * Manage the hardware needs of the Testing Team and provide recommendations for investment


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