How to apply for Performance Lead/DER

About Joby Aviation

Joby Aviation is developing electric aircraft for personal mobility. The company focuses on safe, quiet, and fast air travel. This role supports the design, testing, and certification of those aircraft.

About the role

The Performance Lead/DER leads aerodynamic performance analysis and testing for air vehicle design, ground tests, and flight tests. You will act as the primary subject matter expert and FAA/EASA focal for Subpart B performance and flight analyst certification activities. You will also conduct propeller and mission performance calculations.

A typical day

You might review aerodynamic performance data from recent ground or flight tests, then meet with flight physics and airframe teams to discuss results. You could also prepare certification documents for FAA/EASA review or run propeller performance calculations to update mission models. The role involves frequent coordination with multiple engineering groups and test teams.

Who Joby Aviation is looking for

• Holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering, preferably aerospace engineering.
• Has at least 10 years of aerospace industry experience in flight performance, including test management and execution.
• Currently holds an active Company or Consultant FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) authorization, or meets the basic qualifications for becoming a DER per FAA Order 8100.8D and FAA Order 8110.37F.
• Has demonstrated experience working with or generating aerodynamic data and interfacing with flight physics, airframe, powertrain, and flight test teams.

Tips for this application

• State your current DER authorization status clearly in your resume and cover letter, including your authorization type and any limitations.
• List specific aircraft programs where you managed or executed flight performance tests, including the phase of development (design, ground test, flight test, certification).
• Include examples of your work as an FAA/EASA focal for Subpart B performance or flight analyst activities.
• Describe your experience with propeller and mission performance calculations, and the engineering analyses that feed aircraft-level performance models.
• Mention any work with electric or hybrid-electric aircraft, if applicable, since Joby focuses on electric aircraft.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your active DER authorization or your specific qualifications to become a DER under FAA Order 8100.8D and FAA Order 8110.37F.', 'Your 10+ years of flight performance experience, including test management and execution.', 'Your experience as a primary subject matter expert for certification with FAA or EASA.', 'Your ability to interface with multiple teams such as flight physics, airframe, powertrain, and flight test.']

Research before applying

• Joby Aviation's current aircraft programs and their certification status with the FAA and EASA.
• The specific requirements for a DER under FAA Order 8100.8D and FAA Order 8110.37F, and how your background maps to them.
• Joby's approach to electric aircraft performance, including any public information on propeller design and mission profiles.
• The role of Subpart B performance and flight analyst activities in the certification of electric aircraft.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you have managed and executed flight performance test programs from planning to certification.
• Your experience as an FAA/EASA focal for Subpart B performance and flight analyst activities.
• Specific examples of aerodynamic performance analysis you have completed for vehicle designs at different development stages.
• How you conduct propeller and mission performance calculations and integrate them into aircraft-level performance models.
• How you interface with flight physics, airframe, powertrain, and flight test teams to resolve performance issues.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not clarifying your DER authorization status or eligibility, which is a key requirement for this role.
• Focusing only on analysis without demonstrating test management and execution experience.
• Ignoring the certification aspect of the role and not mentioning FAA/EASA interaction in your application.