Modeling & Simulation Flight Dynamics Engineer

Overview

Joby Aviation is developing an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility. The Modeling and Simulation (M&S) team is looking for a motivated engineer to help bring the JAS4-1 to market.

In this role you will develop and validate the flight dynamics models that the rest of the program depends on, including flight controls, flight test, simulation, and certification. You will run tests in the flight simulator, analyze post-flight data, correlate experimental results with the models, and improve model fidelity over time. We value a willingness to learn across the full modeling lifecycle for a novel aircraft.

Responsibilities

Modeling

Develop and refine aerodynamic and flight dynamics models for real-time simulation, performance prediction, and engineering analysis

Run 6-DOF aircraft simulations in support of flight testing and certification

Linearize nonlinear models and validate against baseline simulations

Validation and System Identification

Interpret experimental data (flight test, wind tunnel, simulator) to correlate and validate the flight dynamics model

Support verification and validation (V&V) activities that depend on model outputs

Tools and Software

Contribute to Joby’s in-house system identification and modeling tools

Develop and improve the software methods behind modeling tools and workflows

Collaboration

Work with flight controls, flight test, flight physics, and other teams to define required model accuracy

Partner with test pilots to improve model fidelity based on simulator feedback

Required

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience, or an advanced degree (M.S., M.Eng., or Ph.D.) with 2+ years of relevant industry experience (or equivalent practical experience)

Strong understanding of aircraft and rotorcraft aerodynamics and flight dynamics, including equations of motion, aerodynamic coefficients, stability and control derivatives, trim, and linearization

Experience with system identification methods, including data fitting and regression

Experience correlating and validating flight dynamics models against experimental data

Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, and Simulink

Experience with configuration control and management of models

Strong problem-solving, software debugging, and communication skills

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Desired

Experience developing and validating 6-DOF nonlinear aircraft simulations

Experience with experimental data processing, such as data reduction and Kalman filtering/smoothing

Experience conducting wind tunnel tests and using the results to improve and validate simulation models

Experience on an aviation certification program

Experience with VTOL, rotorcraft, or tiltrotor flight dynamics

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $121,500 - $206,100/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.

Additional Information