Joby, Heron Power Lead Launchpad 2026 Hiring Lineup
Santa Cruz Launchpad 2026 is bringing a strong lineup of hiring companies to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on Wednesday, May 13.
The event returns to The Grove with a student startup competition during the day and a public job fair from 5–7 p.m. For students, job seekers, and early-career professionals, it is a direct way to meet companies that are hiring across tech, manufacturing, healthcare, education, public service, and community impact.
Two of the strongest new employer additions include Joby Aviation and Heron Power.
Joby Aviation is one of the Central Coast’s biggest innovation stories. The company is developing an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, better known as an eVTOL, and continues to scale its presence across the region. At Launchpad, Joby will be looking to connect with candidates for a range of entry- to mid-level roles.
Heron Power will also be joining the employer lineup. Based in Scotts Valley, Heron is building industrial power electronics for the modern grid, including infrastructure that supports renewable energy, battery storage, AI data centers, and large-scale electrification. The company has quickly become one of the region’s most closely watched hard-tech startups.
The tech lineup also includes Sleepless Media, a Santa Cruz-based creative agency focused on ecommerce, branding, UI/UX, Shopify, WordPress, and custom web development. Sleepless is especially interested in meeting creative thinkers, coders, designers, and digital talent for freelance, part-time, and future full-time opportunities.
Launchpad will also feature employers from healthcare, education, public safety, and public service.
Dientes Community Dental will be there with openings in dental hygiene and pediatric dentistry. CDI Head Start Serving Santa Cruz County has registered with multiple openings in early childhood education and family support. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education will also be participating, with current roles listed through EDJOIN.
Public safety employers include the California Highway Patrol, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, and the Watsonville Police Department. These agencies are recruiting for law enforcement, corrections, and public safety positions, including cadet and officer roles.
Because employer interest is still coming in, Santa Cruz Works is extending employer registration to Friday, May 8.
Companies looking to hire interns, part-time employees, full-time workers, or early-career talent can still join the Launchpad employer lineup. The event is designed to help local employers meet students, emerging professionals, and active job seekers in one room.
Santa Cruz Launchpad 2026
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The Grove at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Student Startup Competition: 12–4 p.m.
Employer Setup: 4–4:45 p.m.
Job Fair + Networking: 5–7 p.m.