Senior/Staff Power Electronics Manufacturing Engineer
Joby Aviation · San Carlos, CA
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Base pay
- $120k–$188k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
A senior manufacturing role at Joby Aviation (aerospace & defense) in San Carlos, CA. Partner with Design, Quality, Test, and Equipment Engineering to develop world-class motor manufacturing processes — driving higher quality, at quantity, and on-time equipment readiness at every build phase.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Lean, SPC, GD&T, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 13485
- Base pay
- $120k–$188k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $111k–$173k. This one lists $120k–$188k.
Median of the low and high ends of 165 live postings that list pay, out of 443 manufacturing engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 442 other live manufacturing postings in California.
- Base pay
- About 15% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $109k–$159k, from 143 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Tooling 50%
- ✓ New product launch 45%
- Root cause 37%
- ✓ Automation 34%
- ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 26%
- Machining 26%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for SPC, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Joby Aviation
We found 3 people at this company and state: 2 in this kind of role, 1 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Ife → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Joby Aviation in San Carlos
5 other open roles at this site · 3 people we found in manufacturing roles at Joby Aviation.
- Manufacturing Engineer - Motors · Manufacturing
- Sr/Staff Automation Controls Engineer · Controls · Senior
- Supplier Industrialization Engineer · Industrial
- Production Technician II/III · Production · Technician
- Production Technician IV/V · Production · Technician
Full description from Joby AviationAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Partner with Design, Quality, Test, and Equipment Engineering to develop world-class motor manufacturing processes — driving higher quality, at quantity, and on-time equipment readiness at every build phase
- ◆Participate in design and drawing reviews, ensuring implementation of DFA/DFM best practices during all stages of product development
- ◆Lead cross-functional execution with a “one-team” mindset to deliver step-change improvements in safety, quality, throughput, and ergonomics from prototype through ramp to volume production
- ◆Own and evolve continuous improvement strategies (lean, constraint removal, automation introduction, test performance optimization) to improve availability, quality, and line performance across welding, soldering, adhesive dispense, power electronics assembly and end-of-line test
- ◆Author and release high-clarity manufacturing procedures — then drive successful adoption on the production line to ensure flawless build execution at scale
Required
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with 5+ years of relevant industry experience
- ✓Solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles and practices
- ✓Hands-on experience in manufacturing process development and execution of process validation activities
- ✓Experience with electric motor assembly, power electronics, or complex electro-mechanical systems, including associated tooling and equipment
- ✓Detail-oriented, strong problem-solving abilities and a collaborative mindset, with a history of solving technical challenges in cross-functional team environments in a fast-paced environment
- ✓Proficient in GD&T per ASME Y14.5 for complex tolerance stack-up analysis
- ✓Familiarity with DFM/DFA best practices and their practical application
- ✓Proven ability to enhance product line performance using SPC (statistical process control) methods and techniques
- ✓Proven track record of delivering multiple products from concept through to full-scale production
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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.
Overview
Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate Power Electronics Senior/Staff Manufacturing Engineer to join our Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Engineering Team in San Carlos, CA. The Power Electronics Senior/Staff Manufacturing Engineer will lead new product introduction and ramp-up of Joby aircraft powertrain through implementation of manufacturing equipment and new processes, and working closely with cross-functional teams. This individual must be highly organized and self-driven while possessing a deep understanding of manufacturing scale-up, mechanical & electrical fundamentals, equipment and quality systems. This position is exciting and rewarding, as the Power Electronics Senior/Staff Manufacturing Engineer will promptly see their ideas influence many key areas due to the fast pace of Joby Aviation.
Desired
- +Experience in manufacturing in a regulated environment such as 14 CFR Part 21, ISO9001, ISO 13485, TS16949, or equivalent
- +Familiarity with PCBA manufacturing processes, equipment and standards
- +Experience with selective soldering and laser welding processes
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
Additional Information