Karel Jacobs
About Karel Jacobs
Karel Jacobs is the Lead Seat Engineer at Joby Aviation, where he has worked since 2020. He has extensive experience in creating bespoke turnkey solutions for various sectors, including government and defense, and has held multiple engineering and management roles across several organizations.
Work at Joby Aviation
Karel Jacobs has served as the Lead Seat Engineer at Joby Aviation since 2020. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the design and development of seating solutions for the company's innovative aircraft. His expertise in engineering and project management contributes to the advancement of Joby Aviation's mission to create sustainable air transportation.
Previous Experience in Aerospace Engineering
Prior to his current position, Karel Jacobs held several roles in the aerospace sector. He worked at Thales as an Analyst for 11 months in 2011, and at Zodiac as an Engineering Project Leader from 2012 to 2015. He also served as an Aerospace Specialist at Guidepoint in 2014 and 2015, and as an Engineering Analyst at EADS Astrium from 2009 to 2011. His diverse experience spans various aspects of aerospace engineering and project management.
Educational Background
Karel Jacobs studied at Technische Universiteit Delft, where he earned a Master of Science in Aerospace from 1996 to 2001. Prior to that, he completed his VWO at VCL from 1991 to 1996. His educational foundation in aerospace engineering supports his professional roles in the industry.
Leadership and Management Roles
Karel Jacobs has held leadership positions throughout his career, including serving as the Managing Director at MENASAT UAV LIMITED from 2012 to 2018. He has managed proposal and project management for multi-disciplinary, international teams, showcasing his ability to lead complex projects and initiatives in the aerospace field.
Involvement in Major Projects
Throughout his career, Karel Jacobs has been involved in significant projects with contract lifetimes exceeding 10 years. His work includes extensive business case analysis and technical development for military frameworks and new ventures. He has also presented to senior management at major companies, including Google and Liberty Global.