Application Guide
How to Apply for U.S. Strategic Policy Lead
at Joby Aviation
๐ข 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.
๐ก 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.
๐ Application Tools
๐ฏ 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
๐ Tips for Applying to Joby Aviation
Quantify your impact in previous roles: e.g., 'Secured approvals for 3 major infrastructure projects by building coalitions with 15+ stakeholder groups'
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
Tailor your resume to show progression in state/local government affairs, emphasizing strategy development rather than just relationship management
Research Joby's current regulatory milestones (like FAA certification progress) and mention how your experience could accelerate their market entry
Include examples of managing public affairs in controversial or innovative sectors where community engagement was critical to success
โ๏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 โ๐ 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)
๐ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
โ ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on federal experience without demonstrating state/local expertiseโthis 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 upโthis role requires creating new engagement frameworks, not just maintaining existing ones
๐ 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Joby Aviation!