E-3 Visa Flight Test Engineer Jobs
Flight Test Engineer roles at U.S. defense contractors and aerospace firms qualify as E-3 specialty occupations, making E-3 visa sponsorship straightforward for Australian nationals with a relevant engineering degree. The E-3 has no lottery and can be renewed indefinitely, so your career progression isn't interrupted by annual caps.
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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 and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed flight test plans for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing as a crewmember, and test data analysis. The role involves planning and execution of both development and certification flight testing. Flight testing at Joby Aviation is very fast-paced, and we are looking for an individual who can work with system designers to develop test procedures, deal with frequently changing test scenarios, and lead/follow effectively. This role can be based at our Flight Test Headquarters at Marina, CA, or at our secondary flight test facility in Hollister, CA.
Responsibilities
- Develop test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles from experimental development through certification flight test
- Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysis
- Conduct engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables
- Coordinate with other engineering groups to ensure input from subject matter experts informs test planning and test execution
- Work as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests
- Report on completed tests including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations
- Advise the flight test pilot of nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness
- Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test
- Complete administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation
- Assist with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing
- Develop flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate the vehicles in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices
- Other duties as assigned or required
Required
- Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training
- Previous experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer
- Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines
- Strong technical and analytical skills
- Must be able to work both independently and on a team and be able to work extended hours and travel as required
- Read and speak English proficiently
- At least 30% travel required
Desired
- FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience
- Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar
- Civil aircraft certification experience including use of ARP 4754 processes for requirements and FAA AC 23-8C or AC 27-1B for flight test
- Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL and fly-by-wire
- Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member
- Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C
Additional Information
Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $107,400 - $174,049/yr. The compensation package offered will be determined by location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
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.
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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 and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed flight test plans for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing as a crewmember, and test data analysis. The role involves planning and execution of both development and certification flight testing. Flight testing at Joby Aviation is very fast-paced, and we are looking for an individual who can work with system designers to develop test procedures, deal with frequently changing test scenarios, and lead/follow effectively. This role can be based at our Flight Test Headquarters at Marina, CA, or at our secondary flight test facility in Hollister, CA.
Responsibilities
- Develop test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles from experimental development through certification flight test
- Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysis
- Conduct engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables
- Coordinate with other engineering groups to ensure input from subject matter experts informs test planning and test execution
- Work as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests
- Report on completed tests including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations
- Advise the flight test pilot of nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness
- Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test
- Complete administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation
- Assist with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing
- Develop flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate the vehicles in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices
- Other duties as assigned or required
Required
- Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training
- Previous experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer
- Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines
- Strong technical and analytical skills
- Must be able to work both independently and on a team and be able to work extended hours and travel as required
- Read and speak English proficiently
- At least 30% travel required
Desired
- FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience
- Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar
- Civil aircraft certification experience including use of ARP 4754 processes for requirements and FAA AC 23-8C or AC 27-1B for flight test
- Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL and fly-by-wire
- Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member
- Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C
Additional Information
Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $107,400 - $174,049/yr. The compensation package offered will be determined by location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
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.
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Tips for Finding E-3 Visa Sponsorship as a Flight Test Engineer
Translate your Australian credentials for U.S. employers
A three-year Australian engineering degree is generally accepted as equivalent to a U.S. four-year bachelor's for E-3 visa purposes. Request an official transcript and, if your employer asks, a credential evaluation letter confirming the equivalency before your offer stage.
Target defense primes with active E-3 filing history
Flight test roles at major U.S. aerospace and defense contractors involve frequent E-3 filings. Search DOL's OFLC disclosure data to confirm which employers have filed Labor Condition Applications for aerospace engineering titles before you apply.
Clarify security clearance status early in interviews
Many U.S. flight test programs require a DoD security clearance, which Australian nationals can obtain through a government-to-government reciprocal arrangement. Flag your citizenship and any existing Australian Defence security clearance upfront so employers can assess sponsorship feasibility alongside clearance sponsorship.
Use Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service to streamline your LCA
The LCA must be certified by the DOL before your visa interview. Use Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service to handle your LCA and visa paperwork so your employer isn't left navigating the process alone, which is a common reason offers fall through.
Confirm your job title maps to a specialty occupation
Your offer letter's job title and duties must demonstrate that the role normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific engineering field. Ask your hiring manager to align the title with standard aerospace engineering classifications recognizable to a U.S. consular officer.
Request an E-3 start date that accounts for LCA processing
DOL typically certifies LCAs within seven business days, but your consulate appointment adds lead time. Negotiate a start date at least four to six weeks after your offer is signed so your employer can file the LCA and you can schedule your Australian consulate interview without rushing.
E-3 Visa Flight Test Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Flight Test Engineer jobs with E-3 sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for Australian professionals searching for U.S. roles with E-3 visa sponsorship. Unlike general job boards, it surfaces Flight Test Engineer positions at employers already familiar with the E-3 process, so you spend less time educating hiring teams about visa mechanics and more time progressing through interviews.
How much does it cost to get an E-3 visa?
Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service covers the entire process for $499, including the Labor Condition Application, visa document preparation, and consulate appointment guidance. Traditional immigration lawyers charge $2,000–$5,000+ for the same work. The E-3 has less paperwork than most work visas, so paying thousands for legal help is usually unnecessary.
Does a Flight Test Engineer role qualify as an E-3 specialty occupation?
Yes. Flight test engineering requires specialized knowledge in aerodynamics, avionics, or flight dynamics and normally demands a bachelor's degree or higher in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering. This degree-field alignment satisfies the E-3 specialty occupation definition, making it one of the more straightforward engineering roles to sponsor.
How does the E-3 compare to H-1B for Flight Test Engineer positions?
The H-1B visa requires entering an annual lottery with no guaranteed selection, which can leave an offer in limbo for months. The E-3 has a 10,500 annual allocation that has never been fully used, so there is no lottery and no wait. For Australian flight test engineers, the E-3 is a far more predictable path to starting work on an agreed date.
Can I change employers or flight test programs while on an E-3?
Yes, but each employer change requires a new LCA and, in most cases, a new visa stamp at an Australian consulate if your current stamp reflects the prior employer. You can start work with the new employer once the new LCA is certified and your updated visa is issued, so plan for four to eight weeks of lead time around any job transition.