Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Federal Affairs Advisor

at Joby Aviation

🏢 About Joby Aviation

Joby Aviation is at the forefront of transforming personal mobility with electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. As a pioneer in eco-friendly aviation, the company offers a unique opportunity to shape policy for an emerging industry that promises safe, quiet, and fast urban air travel. Working here means influencing the regulatory framework for a technology that could revolutionize transportation.

About This Role

As Senior Federal Affairs Advisor, you will be the key liaison between Joby and federal stakeholders, driving engagement with Congress, the DoD, and agencies like FAA and DOE. Your work will directly impact the advancement of advanced air mobility by securing funding, shaping legislation, and building coalitions. This role is critical for ensuring Joby’s technology is supported by federal policy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with monitoring legislative activity and drafting a briefing for the Head of Federal Affairs on a new bill affecting AAM. You might then attend a coalition meeting with trade associations, followed by a call with a Senate staffer to discuss an upcoming hearing. The afternoon could involve preparing talking points for a meeting with DoD officials or analyzing a regulatory proposal from the FAA.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Joby Aviation Is Looking For

  • Has 8+ years of experience in federal government affairs, legislative affairs, or public policy, with a proven track record of influencing policy outcomes.
  • Possesses deep knowledge of federal legislative processes, appropriations cycles, and regulatory workflows, especially in defense, aerospace, transportation, or energy.
  • Excels at building relationships with congressional staff, agency officials, and DoD personnel, and can navigate complex political landscapes.
  • Demonstrates strong research and writing skills, able to distill complex policy issues into clear, persuasive briefs and talking points.

📝 Tips for Applying to Joby Aviation

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific federal engagement experience, especially with defense, aerospace, or transportation portfolios—mention any work with appropriations or authorization bills.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your past successes in advancing policy for emerging technologies to Joby’s mission in advanced air mobility.

3

Research Joby’s current FAA certification progress and recent DoD contracts (e.g., Agility Prime) and reference them to show you understand their federal strategy.

4

Demonstrate your ability to synthesize complex technical concepts by writing a sample policy brief on a relevant topic (e.g., eVTOL certification) and include it as a writing sample.

5

Network with current or former Joby government affairs staff on LinkedIn to gain insights into their priorities and culture before applying.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience with defense and aerospace policy, as Joby has significant DoD partnerships and needs someone who can navigate military acquisition processes.', 'Highlight your ability to build bipartisan coalitions and maintain relationships across the political spectrum, crucial for advancing AAM policy.', 'Show your understanding of the regulatory landscape for eVTOL aircraft, including FAA certification and NASA research programs.', 'Convey passion for sustainable aviation and Joby’s mission, linking your personal motivation to the company’s goal of transforming mobility.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Joby’s public policy statements and recent press releases on federal funding and partnerships (e.g., DOE loans, DoD contracts).
  • → Review the FAA’s proposed rule for eVTOL certification (Part 21.17(b) changes) and any congressional hearings on advanced air mobility.
  • → Study Joby’s competitors (e.g., Archer, Beta Technologies) and their federal affairs strategies to understand the landscape.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key members of Congress on relevant committees (House T&I, Senate Commerce, Defense appropriations) and their positions on AAM.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you successfully influenced a federal appropriations bill or regulatory change. What was your strategy?
2 How would you build a coalition for advanced air mobility among diverse stakeholders, including environmental groups, labor unions, and industry competitors?
3 Explain the current FAA certification pathway for eVTOL aircraft and identify potential policy gaps or opportunities.
4 How do you stay informed about emerging legislative and regulatory developments in the transportation and energy sectors?
5 What is your approach to drafting a one-pager for a member of Congress who is unfamiliar with eVTOL technology?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t focus solely on aviation policy if you lack defense or energy experience—Joby’s federal strategy spans multiple portfolios.
  • Avoid vague language about relationships; be specific about which congressional offices or agencies you have worked with.
  • Don’t overlook the importance of appropriations experience; this role likely involves securing federal funding, so highlight any budget-related work.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Joby Aviation!

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