Entry Level Additive Manufacturing Jobs in California

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.

We are seeking an entry-level additive design engineer to join our additive engineering team. This role focuses on designing, optimizing, and validating components specifically for additive manufacturing (AM) processes. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, CAD modeling, and Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), and is motivated to develop innovative, production-ready hardware using advanced manufacturing technologies. This role will work across teams such as Airframe, Powertrain, Manufacturing, and Quality, to translate designs from concept to their physical additive embodiment across both prototyping and production scales.

• Develop 3D CAD models and detailed drawings for components designed for additive manufacturing. 

• Apply DfAM principles to 3D CAD models, including generative design/topology optimization approaches, lattice structures, support strategy minimization, and build orientation optimization. 

• Collaborate with part design engineers to ensure additive designs meet functional requirements. 

• Support build preparation activities, including part orientation, support generation, build simulation, and build file validation. 

• Utilize build preparation software tools (e.g., 3Dxpert, Magics, Netfabb) to prepare parts for production. 

• Design components with consideration for downstream machining, fixturing, and post-processing requirements. 

• Assist in post-build evaluations, including data from recoater imaging, CT scanning, dimensional verification, and surface finish evaluation results. 

• Support material selection and mechanical property evaluation for AM parts. 

• Support LPBF process development efforts, including test coupon design for geometry, inspection, and parameter evaluations. 

• Participate in root cause analysis for build defects and contribute to continuous process improvement efforts. 

• Document design iterations, test results, and validation data in accordance with engineering standards. 

• Collaborate with other stakeholders (e.g. product design, materials, manufacturing, certification, test, & quality engineers) throughout all stages of the design.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. 

• 0–3 years of experience (internship, co-op, academic research, or project experience acceptable). 

• Proficiency in 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA (preferred) or similar 3D CAD software (e.g. NX, Creo, Solidworks, Fusion).

• Fundamental understanding of additive manufacturing processes and constraints. 

• Working knowledge of mechanical design principles, including stress analysis and materials fundamentals. 

• Working knowledge of GD&T and technical drawing standards.

• Familiarity with build preparation software tools (e.g., 3Dxpert, Magics, Netfabb). 

• Basic understanding of machining principles, including common subtractive processes and design for manufacturability considerations. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills. 

• Coursework or project experience in additive manufacturing or advanced manufacturing. 

• Experience with topology optimization tools (e.g., Altair Inspire, nTopology, ANSYS). 

• Exposure to FEA tools for structural validation. 

• Experience with metal AM processes (e.g., LPBF, EBM) and post-processing techniques. 

• Hands-on machining experience (manual or CNC) in an academic, research, or industry setting. 

• Familiarity with 3D Printing inspection methods (e.g. 3D scanning, CT Scanning, Optical Profilometer). 

• Knowledge of AM part quality and process controls and inspection methodologies.

• Experience in controlled/certified environments (AS9100 or ISO9000). 
• Basic understanding of materials characterization and mechanical testing. 

Key Competencies 

• Systems-level thinking with attention to detail. 

• First-principles / requirements driven understanding of design approaches 

• Ability to iterate rapidly in a prototyping environment. 

• Collaborative mindset with cross-functional teams. 

• Ownership of tasks from concept through validation. 

• Technical rigor in documentation and analysis. 

What You Will Gain 

• Direct experience designing flight- or production-critical components for additive manufacturing. 

• Exposure to the full lifecycle of AM hardware development. 

• Mentorship from experienced design and manufacturing engineers. 

• Opportunity to contribute to next-generation manufacturing technologies. 

Work Environment 

This role may involve time in both office and laboratory/manufacturing environments. Candidates should be comfortable working around production equipment and collaborating closely with manufacturing personnel. 

Qualified candidates should submit a resume and, if available, a portfolio showcasing relevant design projects, academic work, or additive manufacturing experience. 

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Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $91,100 - $125,300/yr. The compensation package will be determined by 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.