Laboratory Manager

Company Overview

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. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Lab Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our Engineering labs, which support the development and verification of safety and mission-critical hardware and software utilizing rigorous aerospace standards (e.g., ARP4754B, DO-178C, DO-254, and AS-9100). This role is responsible for lab’s personnel performance, equipment, processes, and compliance posture, ensuring that all lab-based testing activities are executed with the rigor, traceability, and documentation required for airworthiness certification.

The ideal candidate combines hands-on technical credibility in a regulated test environment with solid people-management skills and is comfortable being the point person for both internal engineering teams and external auditors/certification authorities. The scope of the lab management activities includes system level test assets, low-level embedded HW and SW test assets, and prototyping lab assets.

This role is expected to actively shape the lab's testing roadmap rather than simply execute incoming requests: partnering closely with program and systems engineering stakeholders across sites and organizations—to translate evolving, sometimes partially-formed testing needs into a clear, feasible, and prioritized plan that balances internal program timelines against contracted third-party commitments.

Responsibilities

Lab Operations & Compliance

• Oversee daily operations of aerospace test laboratories and ensure compliance with AS9100, DO-254, and DO-178C requirements.
• Maintain lab procedures, SOPs, work instructions, and test protocols to ensure repeatable and auditable processes.
• Enforce ESD controls, environmental requirements, calibration standards, and laboratory safety practices.
• Support internal audits, customer audits, and certification authority reviews.
• Ensure proper lab conditions and documentation support engineering test activities.

Equipment & Resource Management

• Manage laboratory equipment selection, procurement, calibration, maintenance, and allocation to support project testing needs.
• Ensure equipment availability and compliance with technical specifications and quality standards.

Program Collaboration & Test Roadmap

• Collaborate with engineering and program teams to prioritize testing activities and align resources with project schedules.

• Support evolving program requirements by developing practical test strategies and solutions.

People & Resource Management

• Lead and develop lab technicians and test engineers through task assignment, training, and performance management.
• Manage staffing, budgets, and resources while promoting a quality-focused and safety-driven culture.

Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure test data, reports, and records meet DO-254/DO-178C traceability and integrity requirements.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation, including SOPs, calibration records, training records, and non-conformance reports.
• Ensure accurate reporting and compliance documentation throughout the testing lifecycle.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field (equivalent experience considered).
• 5+ years of experience in test, verification, or laboratory role within an aerospace, avionics, or other highly regulated engineering environment.
• 2+ years of experience directly supervising technical staff.
• Familiarity with requirements management and test traceability tools.
• Strong understanding of lab equipment calibration, configuration management, and audit readiness practices.
• Working knowledge of ESD control principles and practices (e.g., per ANSI/ESD S20.20 or equivalent).
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with experience interfacing with auditors or certification authorities.
• Availability to support operations across multiple sites as needed.

Desired

• Working knowledge of ARP4754B, DO-254 and DO-178C objectives and how they apply hardware/software verification activities.
• Experience operating within an AS9100-certified or ISO certified quality management system.
• Understanding of Customer Property Handling requirements in a regulated/contracted engineering environment.
• Six Sigma, Lean, or other continuous improvement certification.

Your Reward for Greatness

• Organize your time with our balanced, flexible daily schedule.
• Fuel your office days with delicious free lunch
• Level up your global career with master-level English classes.
• Invest in your knowledge growth with continuous learning subsidies.
• Get active and stay fit with our versatile sports subsidy.
• Access quality care for you with our evolving medical health plan.
• Earn more time for your priorities with additional Personal Time Off (PTO) as you grow here.
• Get rewarded for your impact with our yearly performance bonus.