Senior Product Designer - Air Taxi

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer - Air Taxi

Company: Joby Aviation

Location: San Carlos, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design (with a focus on Operations Systems)

Date Posted: September 16, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop core operational applications critical for flight operations, pilot interfaces, and logistics management within the air taxi industry.

• Lead the creation and scaling of a comprehensive design system across Web, iOS, and Android platforms to ensure UI consistency and accelerate engineering velocity.

• Leverage state-of-the-art AI tools to enhance efficiency throughout the product development lifecycle, from ideation to implementation.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and flight operations teams to architect a cohesive user experience for a diverse suite of operational tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Product Designer," the core responsibilities and description clearly indicate a strong focus on designing operational systems and user experiences for flight operations, pilot interfaces, and logistics. This role requires a deep understanding of operational workflows and how design can optimize them, making it highly relevant to professionals interested in the operational aspects of technology deployment. The emphasis on AI tooling and design systems also points to a modern, efficient product development environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product design for the Joby flight operations tooling, including pilot resource management interfaces, scheduling portals, and Electronic Flight Bags (EFB).

• Design intuitive and efficient user experiences for terminal logistics and ramp operations applications, optimizing workflows for both current helicopter and future eVTOL operations.

• Collaborate closely with the flight test team to understand and optimize their complex scheduling and execution needs, translating requirements into user-centered designs.

• Act as a key advocate for design consistency across the organization, driving the adoption and governance of system components and patterns across product and engineering teams.

• Strategically implement and utilize state-of-the-art AI tools (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini) to maximize efficiency, accelerate design iterations, and enhance the overall product development cycle.

• Build, govern, and scale a comprehensive design system, including components, tokens, and patterns, ensuring a unified and scalable user interface across Web, iOS, and Android platforms.

• Establish and maintain clear design documentation, usage guidelines, and accessibility standards to drive cross-functional adoption and ensure compliance with inclusive design practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design leadership and hands-on execution. The emphasis on scaling a design system and leveraging AI tools suggests a need for a designer who can not only create great interfaces but also build the frameworks for efficient, consistent product development across multiple platforms. The collaboration with flight test teams and the focus on operational efficiency point to a role with significant impact on the company's core business functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: BA/BS in Design, HCI, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5+ years of relevant professional experience in product design, with a proven track record of designing complex operational systems or enterprise-level applications.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience working across multiple platforms, including Web, iOS, and Android, to deliver cohesive user experiences.

• High proficiency with Figma, including its integrated AI workflows and advanced prototyping capabilities.

• Deep understanding and practical application of current AI tools, such as Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, GLM 5.2, for enhancing design and development processes.

• Solid understanding of HTML and CSS, with the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering teams on frontend implementation.

• Proven experience collaborating closely with engineering teams to align design components with frontend codebases and ensure feasibility.

• Comprehensive understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and inclusive design practices, ensuring products are usable by everyone.

• Experience in building, governing, and scaling design systems, including defining components, tokens, and patterns. Preferred Skills:

• A pilot's license or a strong interest in aviation, air taxis, or new transportation technologies.

• Proven experience migrating legacy platforms to a centralized design system or scaling a design system from inception (0-to-1) across different operating systems.

• Experience in the aerospace or transportation technology sectors, with an understanding of operational complexities in these industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI proficiency is a significant differentiator for this role, suggesting Joby Aviation is at the forefront of adopting new technologies for productivity. The blend of platform experience (Web, iOS, Android) and the requirement for design system scaling points to a need for a designer who can think holistically about product architecture and maintainability. The "Desired" skills highlight a strong preference for candidates with a passion for aviation, which can translate to a deeper understanding of user needs in this specialized domain.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 2-3 complex projects that demonstrate end-to-end product design ownership, from user research and ideation through to high-fidelity design and collaboration with engineering.

• Include case studies that highlight the design and implementation of operational workflows, scheduling systems, or complex data-driven applications.

• Present examples of how you have built, scaled, or contributed to a design system, detailing component libraries, style guides, and governance processes.

• Demonstrate proficiency in leveraging AI tools within the design process, providing specific examples of how AI enhanced efficiency, creativity, or problem-solving.

• Highlight projects that involved cross-platform design (Web, iOS, Android) and showcase how consistency was maintained.

• Include work that clearly addresses accessibility standards and inclusive design principles. Process Documentation:

• For each featured project, provide clear documentation on the design process followed, including user research methodologies, ideation techniques, and decision-making rationale.

• Detail the process of collaborating with product managers and engineers, including feedback loops, design reviews, and handoff procedures.

• Showcase examples of how design documentation (e.g., style guides, component libraries, usage guidelines) was created and maintained to ensure cross-functional adoption.

• If applicable, include documentation on the process of migrating to or scaling a design system, outlining the challenges and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on operational systems and design systems, portfolios should strongly feature projects that demonstrate an understanding of complex workflows, data management, and the creation of scalable, consistent UI components. Explicitly showcasing AI tool usage within case studies will be a significant advantage. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions and the process of collaboration will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $139,000 - $214,500 per year.

Benefits:

• Paid time off: Comprehensive leave policies to support work-life balance.

• Healthcare benefits: Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• 401(k) plan: Retirement savings plan with a company match, helping employees build long-term financial security.

• Company match: Employer contribution to the 401(k) plan.

• Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP): Opportunity to purchase company stock at a discounted rate.

• Short-term disability coverage: Income protection during short periods of disability.

• Long-term disability coverage: Income protection for extended periods of disability.

• Life insurance: Financial security for beneficiaries in the event of an employee's passing.

• Restricted stock units (RSUs): Equity grants that provide ownership and align employee interests with company success.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with the flexibility to adapt to project needs and deadlines, especially in a startup-like environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Senior Product Designer role in the San Francisco Bay Area, reflecting the experience level and the specialized nature of the industry. The inclusion of RSUs and ESPP indicates a strong emphasis on employee ownership and long-term commitment. The benefits package is comprehensive, covering health, retirement, and income protection, which are standard for senior roles at well-funded tech companies. The "startup-like environment" within an established aerospace pioneer suggests a dynamic work pace that may occasionally require extended hours, though a standard 40-hour week is the baseline.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace, Aviation Technology, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) Aircraft, Sustainable Transportation. Joby Aviation is at the forefront of the air taxi revolution, aiming to provide quiet, emissions-free flight. This industry context means a fast-paced, innovative, and highly regulated environment.

Company Size: Joby Aviation is a rapidly growing company, implying a dynamic, startup-like atmosphere within a well-funded aerospace pioneer. This size typically means opportunities for significant impact, direct collaboration with leadership, and a culture of rapid iteration and problem-solving.

Founded: 2009. Joby Aviation has a history of pioneering development in electric aviation, moving from initial concepts to the final stages of FAA certification. This history suggests a culture that values long-term vision, persistence, and deep technical expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Air Taxi Systems team is likely composed of product managers, designers, engineers (frontend, backend, mobile), and potentially operations specialists.

• Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Product Design, Director of Product, or a similar leadership role within the product and engineering organization.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with product managers for strategy and requirements, flight operations for user needs and workflow optimization, and engineering teams for implementation and technical feasibility. This role is central to bridging the gap between user needs and technical execution. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Design decisions will be heavily informed by user research, flight operations data, and performance metrics from existing systems.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: A core aspect will be mapping, analyzing, and improving complex operational workflows for efficiency and scalability.

• Automation & Efficiency Practices: The role will leverage AI and design systems to automate repetitive design tasks and accelerate the development cycle.

Company Website: www.jobyaviation.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to revolutionize transportation provides a strong sense of purpose. The "startup-like environment within a well-funded aerospace pioneer" suggests a unique culture balancing agility and innovation with the rigor and safety standards of the aerospace industry. The emphasis on AI tooling and design systems indicates a forward-thinking approach to product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, signifying a mid-to-late career stage. It implies a high degree of autonomy, the ability to lead complex projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute to strategic design decisions. The focus on operational systems means this role is crucial for the company's core business functions, offering significant influence.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Director or VP of Product, Design, or Engineering. They will collaborate daily with Product Managers and Engineering Leads, acting as a key design voice within cross-functional teams responsible for critical operational software.

Operations Impact: The designs created will directly impact the efficiency, safety, and scalability of Joby's air taxi operations. This includes optimizing flight scheduling, pilot experience, and ground logistics, all of which are critical for the company's commercial launch and future growth. The impact is tangible and directly tied to revenue generation and operational success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in designing for complex operational environments, gaining insights into aviation logistics, regulatory compliance, and large-scale system deployments.

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Design Lead or Manager role, overseeing a team of designers focused on operational systems, or to become a Principal/Staff Designer specializing in critical infrastructure.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Develop strong partnerships and understanding across engineering, product management, and flight operations, enhancing strategic influence and career mobility.

• AI & Design System Specialization: Become a recognized expert in leveraging AI for design and in building/scaling advanced design systems within a cutting-edge industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the operational backbone of a groundbreaking transportation company. The growth path is clear, from senior individual contributor to potential leadership, with opportunities to specialize in high-demand areas like AI-driven design and scalable design systems. The direct impact on a novel industry makes it a compelling career move for ambitious designers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in San Carlos, California, at Joby Aviation's headquarters or a related facility. This is an on-site position, emphasizing in-person collaboration, which is common in hardware-centric or highly regulated industries like aerospace.

Office Location(s): 980 Industrial Road, San Carlos, CA 94070. This location is in the San Francisco Bay Area, a hub for technology and innovation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect an open or semi-open office layout designed to foster collaboration among design, product, and engineering teams. This is crucial for rapid iteration and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.

• Tools & Technology: Access to modern design software (Figma), AI tooling, and potentially advanced prototyping hardware. The company's focus on innovation suggests a well-equipped workspace.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with cross-functional team members, including designers, product managers, engineers, and potentially flight operations personnel, facilitating a deep understanding of user needs and operational challenges.

Work Schedule: While typically a standard 40-hour work week, the "startup-like environment" suggests that flexibility and commitment may be required to meet project deadlines, particularly leading up to product launches or critical flight operations milestones. This might involve occasional longer days or weekend work, balanced by the overall benefits and culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement underscores the importance of team synergy and hands-on collaboration in developing complex operational systems for a hardware-intensive industry. The San Carlos location places the role within a vibrant tech ecosystem, offering potential networking and professional development opportunities outside of Joby.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, focusing on relevant experience in product design, AI tooling, and design systems.

2. Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Expect a 45-60 minute interview where you will present your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, detailing your design process, the challenges you faced, how you leveraged AI, and the impact of your work. This is where you'll showcase your problem-solving skills and understanding of operational systems.

3. Design Challenge/Whiteboarding Session: You may be asked to participate in a design exercise, either live or as a take-home assignment. This could involve critiquing an existing interface, sketching out solutions for a new feature, or outlining a design system component. The focus will be on your design thinking, process, and ability to articulate your rationale.

4. Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially members of the Flight Operations team. These sessions will assess your collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to integrate design with business and operational needs.

5. Hiring Manager/Executive Interview: A final conversation to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with Joby Aviation's culture and mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Operational Impact: Clearly articulate how your designs solved specific operational problems, improved efficiency, or enhanced user experience for complex workflows.

• Showcase AI Integration: Dedicate a section or clearly explain how you used AI tools (e.g., for ideation, content generation, code assistance, workflow automation) and the benefits achieved.

• Design System Depth: Detail your experience in building, scaling, or contributing to design systems. Explain the architecture, governance, and how it facilitated cross-functional collaboration and accelerated development.

• Cross-Platform Consistency: Demonstrate how you ensured a cohesive user experience across Web, iOS, and Android.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Highlight specific instances where you implemented accessibility standards and inclusive design practices.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies with a clear narrative: problem, your role/process, solution, and impact (quantified where possible).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Familiarize yourself with air taxi concepts, flight operations, pilot EFB interfaces, and logistics challenges.

• Practice Design Thinking: Be ready to break down complex problems, brainstorm solutions, and articulate your thought process clearly.

• AI Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific AI tools and how you see them evolving in product design.

• Design System Principles: Review core principles of design system architecture, component libraries, and pattern definition.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice explaining technical and design concepts to non-designers (e.g., engineers, operations specialists).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and collaborative problem-solving. The portfolio review is critical, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking, technical understanding (especially AI and design systems), and a deep appreciation for operational workflows. Candidates should prepare to discuss their process and impact with concrete examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design tool for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaboration. High proficiency is mandatory, including its advanced features and AI integrations.

• Design System Management Tools: Potentially tools like Zeroheight, Storybook, or internal documentation platforms for managing design system assets, guidelines, and code integration.

• AI Design Tools: A broad category including generative AI for ideation (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E), content generation (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT), and potentially AI-assisted coding or workflow automation tools.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, potentially tools like Principle, After Effects, or specialized tools for complex animations and microinteractions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Platforms: Tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics to understand user behavior within the operational applications.

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards and reports to communicate design impact and user insights to stakeholders.

• A/B Testing Platforms: Tools to test design variations and measure their impact on key operational metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Operational Software: While not a direct CRM, the role involves designing software that manages operational data and workflows, similar in complexity to enterprise CRM systems.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Understanding how design systems and AI can integrate with or inform backend automation processes.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, Slack, and Confluence for managing design tasks, tracking progress, and communicating with cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and a strong grasp of AI tools are non-negotiable. The company's focus on scaling suggests a need for designers who can work with and contribute to robust design systems and understand how their designs integrate with data analytics and backend systems. Familiarity with common project management and communication tools is also essential for effective cross-functional collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: In an aerospace context, safety is paramount. This translates to meticulous design, thorough testing, and a commitment to error prevention in all operational software.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A drive to continuously improve processes, reduce waste, and maximize productivity through smart design and technology adoption.

• Innovation & Agility: A spirit of experimentation and a willingness to adopt new technologies (like AI) and methodologies to stay ahead.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication, shared ownership, and a culture where feedback is valued and acted upon.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on metrics, user research, and operational data to inform design choices and measure impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work as integral members of product teams, collaborating daily with engineering, product management, and operations.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages regular design critiques, usability testing, and feedback sessions to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, design patterns, and learnings across teams, particularly through the design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Joby Aviation likely blends the rigorous, safety-conscious approach of aerospace with the innovative, agile spirit of a tech startup. Designers are expected to be proactive collaborators who champion efficiency and user-centricity while adhering to strict industry standards. The emphasis on AI and design systems suggests a forward-looking team eager to leverage modern tools.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for a Novel Industry: The air taxi industry is nascent. Designers must navigate ambiguity, define new user behaviors, and create intuitive experiences for novel operational scenarios.

• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Integrating cutting-edge AI and design tools while adhering to strict aerospace regulations and safety standards requires careful consideration and robust validation.

• Scaling a Design System: Building and maintaining a comprehensive design system that supports diverse platforms and evolving product needs across a rapidly growing organization is a significant undertaking.

• Complex Operational Workflows: Designing for flight scheduling, pilot resource management, and ground logistics involves intricate processes and a wide range of user needs, demanding deep empathy and analytical rigor.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Aviation Operations: Gain unparalleled expertise in the operational intricacies of eVTOL aircraft, flight testing, and commercial air mobility.

• Cutting-Edge AI & Design Integration: Become a leader in applying AI to product design workflows, exploring new frontiers in efficiency and creativity.

• Design System Leadership: Develop advanced skills in architecting, governing, and scaling design systems for complex, multi-platform products.

• Mentorship & Strategic Influence: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, influence product strategy, and contribute to the long-term vision of Joby Aviation's operational technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in pioneering a new industry. However, these challenges are also immense growth opportunities. The chance to shape the operational technology of future air mobility, coupled with exposure to advanced AI and design system practices, makes this a highly rewarding position for ambitious designers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed a complex operational system. What were the key challenges, how did you approach them, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How have you used AI tools in your design process? Provide specific examples of how they improved your efficiency or the quality of your output." (Be ready to discuss specific tools and tangible benefits.)

• "Walk us through your process for building or scaling a design system. What are the critical components, governance strategies, and challenges you've encountered?" (Demonstrate understanding of system architecture and maintainability.)

• "How do you ensure design consistency across multiple platforms (Web, iOS, Android) while also allowing for platform-specific optimizations?" (Highlight your approach to platform considerations within a unified system.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Joby Aviation and the air taxi industry specifically?" (Show genuine passion and understanding of the mission.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineering and product management, especially when there are differing opinions or technical constraints?" (Emphasize communication, compromise, and problem-solving.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to advocate for design best practices or accessibility standards. How did you build consensus?" (Showcase your ability to influence and educate.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest AI tools and design trends, and how do you evaluate their potential application in your work?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prioritize Impact: Begin each case study with a clear statement of the problem and the impact your design delivered. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "increased user adoption by Y%").

• Highlight AI & Design System Contributions: Explicitly call out your role in using AI tools and your involvement with design systems. Show examples of components, patterns, and guidelines.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively – mockups, prototypes, user flows, system component examples. Explain your rationale behind key design decisions.

• Be Concise and Focused: For each project, focus on the most critical aspects that align with the job requirements (operational systems, AI, design systems, cross-platform).

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure a smooth flow, clear articulation, and confident delivery within the allotted time. Be prepared for in-depth questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing a blend of strong design fundamentals, practical experience with modern tools (especially AI and design systems), and an understanding of operational complexities. Demonstrating an ability to collaborate effectively and articulate design's impact on business objectives will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Joby Aviation careers portal via the provided URL.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with product design for operational systems, proficiency in Figma and AI tooling, and experience with design systems. Use keywords from the job description such as "flight operations," "AI workflows," "design system," "cross-platform," and "accessibility."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in operational system design, AI integration, and design system development. Ensure case studies are clear, concise, and highlight impact.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on your process, problem-solving approach, and the outcomes of your work, particularly how you leveraged AI and contributed to design systems.

• Research Joby Aviation: Understand their mission, recent developments, and the specific challenges of the air taxi industry. Prepare thoughtful questions to demonstrate your engagement and interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.