Application Guide

How to Apply for U.S. Strategic Policy Lead

at Joby Aviation

๐Ÿข About Joby Aviation

Joby Aviation is pioneering electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to revolutionize urban mobility, focusing on sustainability with quiet, zero-emission air travel. The company stands out for its advanced technology and FAA certification progress, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of transportation at the intersection of aviation, policy, and clean energy.

About This Role

As U.S. Strategic Policy Lead, you will develop and execute state/local government engagement strategies to navigate regulatory hurdles for Joby's commercial launch and infrastructure expansion. This role is pivotal for securing approvals, building coalitions with policymakers, and establishing Joby as a trusted partner in emerging urban air mobility markets across the U.S.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve strategizing with internal teams on regulatory priorities for target markets, drafting briefing materials for state officials, and coordinating with regional partners to advance vertiport approvals. You could also be analyzing proposed local ordinances affecting eVTOL operations and preparing testimony for public hearings.

๐ŸŽฏ Who Joby Aviation Is Looking For

  • Has 10+ years of hands-on experience navigating state/local regulatory processes, preferably in transportation, aviation, or energy sectors
  • Possesses established relationships with state legislators, agency officials, and municipal leaders in key markets like California, Texas, or New York
  • Demonstrates a track record of building advocacy coalitions that achieved tangible policy outcomes, such as infrastructure approvals or regulatory reforms
  • Understands the unique challenges of introducing innovative technologies into existing regulatory frameworks and can translate complex aviation concepts for policymakers

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Joby Aviation

1

Quantify your impact in previous roles: e.g., 'Secured approvals for 3 major infrastructure projects by building coalitions with 15+ stakeholder groups'

2

Highlight specific experience with transportation/aviation regulations (FAA Part 135, state DOT processes) or clean energy initiatives, as these align with Joby's core mission

3

Tailor your resume to show progression in state/local government affairs, emphasizing strategy development rather than just relationship management

4

Research Joby's current regulatory milestones (like FAA certification progress) and mention how your experience could accelerate their market entry

5

Include examples of managing public affairs in controversial or innovative sectors where community engagement was critical to success

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Demonstrate understanding of Joby's specific regulatory challenges, such as vertiport zoning or airspace integration at the state/local level", "Provide concrete examples of how you've built engagement strategies from scratch for new market entries or technology launches", 'Explain how your coalition-building experience can help Joby gain support from diverse stakeholders (environmental groups, urban planners, community boards)', "Connect your policy background to Joby's sustainability mission, showing how you've advanced clean technology initiatives through government channels"]

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Joby's current FAA certification status and how it impacts state/local regulatory planning
  • โ†’ Recent Joby announcements about target U.S. markets (e.g., partnerships with cities or states for infrastructure)
  • โ†’ Competitive landscape in urban air mobility (e.g., Archer, Wisk) and their regulatory approaches
  • โ†’ State-level legislation related to eVTOL infrastructure (like California's AB 783 or similar bills in other states)

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a 12-month engagement strategy for Joby's launch in a state like Florida or Illinois, considering local political dynamics?
2 Describe a time you navigated opposition to an innovative project from community groups or elected officialsโ€”what tactics did you use?
3 How do you stay informed about emerging state/local policies affecting eVTOL infrastructure (e.g., zoning, noise ordinances, energy grid integration)?
4 What metrics would you use to measure the success of Joby's public affairs efforts in a new market?
5 How would you coordinate with federal policy teams to ensure alignment between FAA regulations and state/local implementation?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on federal experience without demonstrating state/local expertiseโ€”this role requires granular knowledge of municipal processes
  • Using generic policy language without tying it to Joby's specific challenges (e.g., vertiport siting, community noise concerns)
  • Failing to show how you've built strategies from the ground upโ€”this role requires creating new engagement frameworks, not just maintaining existing ones

๐Ÿ“… 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

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Joby Aviation!