If you’re interested in working at Joby Aviation’s expanding air taxi manufacturing hub in Marina, California, or want to be part of the growing eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) industry, it’s important to know if you qualify for jobs, training, or partnership opportunities. This guide will help you quickly figure out if you meet the requirements, what might disqualify you, and what you can do to improve your chances. We’ll also look at alternative options if you’re not eligible right now.
Who Should Read This?
– People looking for jobs at Joby Aviation’s Marina facility or other locations
– Engineers, technicians, and manufacturing workers interested in the air taxi industry
– Students and recent graduates hoping to enter the eVTOL field
– Immigrants and foreign workers considering work in the United States 🇺🇸 aerospace sector
– Companies or individuals interested in partnerships or contracts with Joby Aviation

Let’s break down the eligibility criteria, requirements, and practical steps for each group.
1. Eligibility for Jobs at Joby Aviation’s Marina Air Taxi Facility
Basic Yes/No Qualification Criteria
You are likely eligible to apply if:
– You are legally allowed to work in the United States 🇺🇸 (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have a valid work visa)
– You meet the job’s education and experience requirements (see below)
– You can pass background checks and drug screening (standard for aerospace and manufacturing roles)
– You are willing to work in or relocate to Marina, California
You are NOT eligible if:
– You do not have legal authorization to work in the United States 🇺🇸 (no visa, expired visa, or other status issues)
– You do not meet the minimum education or experience requirements for the job
– You have a criminal record that disqualifies you from working in aviation or manufacturing (depends on the offense and company policy)
– You are unable or unwilling to pass background or drug checks
Detailed Requirements with Examples
A. Legal Work Authorization
– U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents: You can apply directly for any open position.
– Foreign Nationals: You must have a valid work visa (like H-1B for specialty occupations, or an EAD for certain other statuses). Joby Aviation may sponsor visas for highly skilled roles, but this is not guaranteed for all positions.
Example:
Maria, a mechanical engineer from Spain 🇪🇸, wants to work at Joby Aviation. She needs an H-1B visa or another valid work permit. If she’s already in the United States 🇺🇸 on a student visa (F-1) with Optional Practical Training (OPT), she may be eligible for a temporary job, but must transition to a work visa for long-term employment.
B. Education and Experience
– Manufacturing and Assembly Roles: Usually require a high school diploma or GED, plus some experience in manufacturing or assembly.
– Engineering and Technical Roles: Typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, electronics, or a related field. Experience with aircraft, electric vehicles, or robotics is a plus.
– Support and Administrative Roles: Requirements vary, but most need relevant experience or education.
Example:
John has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and three years of experience working on electric vehicles. He meets the basic requirements for many engineering roles at Joby Aviation.
C. Background and Drug Screening
– All employees must pass background checks and drug screening. This is standard in the aviation industry to ensure safety and compliance.
Disqualifying Factors
– Lack of legal work status in the United States 🇺🇸
– Not meeting education or experience requirements
– Failing background or drug checks
– Certain criminal convictions (especially those related to safety, security, or fraud)
2. Visa and Immigration Pathways for Foreign Workers
If you’re not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you’ll need a valid visa to work at Joby Aviation. Here are the main options:
A. H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)
– For jobs that require a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field
– Joby Aviation must sponsor you and file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
– There is an annual cap and a lottery system, so not all applicants are selected
B. Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT
– For international students in the United States 🇺🇸 on F-1 visas
– Allows up to 12 months of work after graduation, with a possible 24-month extension for STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields
– Must apply before graduation and have a job offer related to your field of study
C. TN Visa (for Canadian 🇨🇦 and Mexican 🇲🇽 Citizens)
– For certain professional roles under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) agreement
– Must have a job offer in an eligible occupation
D. Other Visa Options
– L-1 (for intracompany transfers), E-2 (for investors), and others may apply in special cases
Official government information about work visas can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s visa page.
Disqualifying Factors for Visa Sponsorship
– Not having the required degree or experience for the job
– Ineligibility for a visa due to past immigration violations or criminal history
– Not being selected in the H-1B lottery (for that visa type)
– Company policy or government restrictions on sponsoring certain visas
How to Improve Your Chances
– Gain experience in high-demand skills (e.g., electric aircraft, robotics, battery systems)
– Complete internships or training in the United States 🇺🇸 if possible
– Network with current employees or recruiters at Joby Aviation
– Apply early and be flexible about job location and role
3. Eligibility for Training, Internships, and Entry-Level Roles
Joby Aviation’s expansion in Marina is expected to create hundreds of new jobs, including entry-level and training positions.
You are likely eligible if:
– You are a student or recent graduate in a relevant field (engineering, manufacturing, aviation)
– You have legal work authorization in the United States 🇺🇸 (including OPT for international students)
– You meet the minimum education requirements for the role
You are NOT eligible if:
– You do not have legal work status
– You are not enrolled in or have not completed a relevant program
How to Improve Your Chances
– Enroll in STEM programs at U.S. colleges or universities
– Seek internships or co-op programs with aerospace companies
– Attend job fairs and industry events in California or Ohio, where Joby Aviation has major facilities
4. Eligibility for Partnerships, Contracts, and Supplier Roles
If you represent a business or want to become a supplier or partner with Joby Aviation, here’s what you need to know:
You are likely eligible if:
– Your company provides goods or services needed by Joby Aviation (manufacturing, electronics, logistics, etc.)
– You meet Joby’s quality, safety, and compliance standards
– You have the required business licenses and certifications
You are NOT eligible if:
– Your company does not meet regulatory or quality standards
– You lack the necessary certifications (such as AS9100 for aerospace suppliers)
– You have a history of contract violations or safety issues
How to Improve Your Chances
– Obtain industry certifications (AS9100, ISO 9001)
– Build a track record of reliable, high-quality service in aerospace or related fields
– Network with Joby’s procurement and supply chain teams
5. Alternative Options if You’re Not Eligible
If you don’t currently qualify for jobs or partnerships at Joby Aviation’s Marina facility, consider these steps:
A. Gain Relevant Education or Experience
– Enroll in community college or university programs in engineering, electronics, or manufacturing
– Complete online courses or certifications in electric vehicles, robotics, or aviation safety
B. Improve Your Immigration Status
– If you’re in the United States 🇺🇸 on a student visa, apply for OPT or STEM OPT
– Explore family-based or other employment-based green card options
– Consult with an immigration attorney for personalized advice
C. Apply to Other Companies in the eVTOL Industry
– Companies like Archer Aviation and Eve Air Mobility are also hiring for similar roles
– Broaden your job search to include related fields like electric vehicles or aerospace manufacturing
D. Volunteer or Intern
– Seek unpaid internships or volunteer roles to gain experience and build your resume
6. How to Apply and What to Expect
A. Application Process
– Visit the Joby Aviation careers page to view open positions
– Submit your resume and cover letter online
– If selected, you may be asked to complete assessments or interviews (in-person or virtual)
– Background and drug screening are required before hiring
B. What Happens Next?
– If you’re offered a job and need visa sponsorship, Joby Aviation’s HR team will guide you through the process
– You may need to provide documents like your passport, degree certificates, and proof of work authorization
– For foreign nationals, the process can take several months, so apply early
7. Special Considerations for Immigrants and Foreign Workers
A. Visa Sponsorship Policies
– Joby Aviation may sponsor visas for highly skilled roles, especially in engineering and technology
– Sponsorship is less likely for entry-level or general manufacturing jobs due to U.S. labor laws
B. Green Card (Permanent Residency)
– Some employees may be eligible for employer-sponsored green cards after working for a period of time
– This process involves several steps, including labor certification and filing Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker). You can find the official form and instructions on the USCIS website.
C. Family Members
– If you are sponsored for a work visa, your spouse and children may be eligible for dependent visas (such as H-4 for H-1B holders)
8. Disqualifying Factors and How to Address Them
A. Immigration Violations
– Overstaying a visa or working without authorization can make you ineligible for future visas or jobs
– Always maintain your legal status and consult an immigration attorney if you have questions
B. Criminal Record
– Certain offenses can disqualify you from working in aviation or from getting a visa
– If you have a record, seek legal advice to understand your options
C. Lack of Experience
– If you don’t have enough experience, consider internships, training programs, or entry-level jobs in related fields
9. Improving Your Chances: Practical Tips
- Stay Informed: Follow Joby Aviation’s news and job postings for updates on new roles and hiring events
- Network: Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or at industry events
- Build Skills: Focus on high-demand areas like electric propulsion, battery technology, and robotics
- Prepare Documents: Keep your resume, transcripts, and immigration documents up to date
10. What Makes Joby Aviation’s Marina Facility Unique?
- Doubled Production: Now able to produce up to 24 eVTOL aircraft per year
- Toyota Partnership: Brings world-class manufacturing expertise and investment
- FAA Certification Hub: The Marina site is leading the way in meeting U.S. regulatory standards
- Job Creation: Hundreds of new jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and support
- Innovation: Focus on sustainable, electric flight and future hydrogen-electric propulsion
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Joby Aviation’s aggressive expansion and strong partnerships make it a top choice for job seekers and partners in the air taxi industry.
11. Official Resources and Next Steps
- Joby Aviation Careers: jobyaviation.com/careers
- U.S. Work Visa Information: travel.state.gov
- USCIS Form I-140 (Green Card): uscis.gov/i-140
- California GO-Biz (Business Incentives): business.ca.gov
- FAA eVTOL Certification: faa.gov
Quick Eligibility Checklist
Employment Requirements
Essential qualifications and eligibility criteria
Requirement | Status | Notes/Examples |
---|---|---|
🇺🇸 Legal work status in U.S. | Required | Citizen, green card, or valid work visa |
📚 Education/experience for job | Required | Degree, diploma, or relevant work history |
🔍 Background/drug check passed | Required | Standard for aviation/manufacturing |
📍 Willing to work in Marina, CA | Required | Relocation may be required |
💼 Visa sponsorship needed/offered | Variable | H-1B, OPT, TN, etc. (case-by-case) |
🏢 Company meets supplier requirements | Required | For partnerships/contracts |
Takeaways and Next Steps
- Check your eligibility using the criteria above before applying to Joby Aviation or similar companies in the air taxi sector.
- If you’re not eligible now, focus on building skills, gaining experience, and improving your immigration status.
- Use official resources for up-to-date information on visas, green cards, and job openings.
- Stay proactive—the air taxi industry is growing fast, and new opportunities are opening up every month.
By following these steps, you can position yourself for success in the exciting world of electric air taxis and advanced urban mobility.
Learn Today
eVTOL → Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft used for urban air mobility services.
H-1B Visa → U.S. work visa for specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree.
OPT → Optional Practical Training allowing F-1 students temporary work after graduation in related fields.
Background Check → Screening process evaluating criminal and employment history, mandatory for aviation jobs.
AS9100 → A quality management certification standard specific to aerospace industry suppliers.
This Article in a Nutshell
Joby Aviation’s Marina hub leads the growing eVTOL industry, seeking skilled workers with proper visas and education. Meeting legal and technical criteria opens doors to jobs, internships, and partnerships in sustainable air taxi manufacturing. Preparation and immigration status improve chances in this fast-growing aerospace sector centered in California.
— By VisaVerge.com