Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations.
OverviewJoby Aviation’s Flight Research team is looking for an experienced and driven Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC) Engineer to contribute to the research and development of new aircraft configurations. We are a small, close-knit and agile team; the engineer will work closely with other software/controls engineers to develop simulation capabilities, control algorithms ranging from stabilization to basic autonomy, and analyses/tests to leverage simulation software for aircraft design and rapid iteration. The engineer will be expected to deliver high quality flight controls software, act with agency, and be capable of picking up a wide variety of tasks.
Responsibilities- Deliver high quality and well thought out flight controls software (C++) for VTOL and CTOL aircraft.
- Contribute heavily to open-loop and closed-loop stability and performance analysis tools (C++/Python).
- Formulate test plans to demonstrate robustness and performance of solutions.
- Directly support flight testing of various aircraft platforms as a required crewmember in a remote ground station.
- Collaborate closely with the rest of the software & controls team to ideate, plan and execute on high quality, well integrated solutions.
- 8+ years experience in relevant field
- Bachelors degree
- Expert level understanding of aircraft dynamics
- Expert level knowledge of modern control methods including robust control and optimal control.
- Experience writing real-time and safety-critical C++ flight software.
- Experience developing simulation and tools for linear analysis of dynamic systems (open-loop and closed-loop)
- Experience writing C++ and Python in a professional environment.
- Experience with real-time signal processing
This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. “US Person” includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.
Desired- Experience developing flight-test experiments for quantitative characterization of controls performance
- Experience with system ID analysis techniques and testing methods
- Experience developing flight controls and flight automation algorithms for both CTOL and VTOL aircraft
- Experience with automatic differentiation tools
Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $167,900 - $202,600/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 InformationJoby Aviation is an equal opportunity employer.
Skills Required
- 8+ years of experience in a relevant field
- Bachelor's degree
- Expert understanding of aircraft dynamics
- Expert knowledge of modern control methods, including robust control and optimal control
- Experience writing real-time and safety-critical C++ flight software
- Experience developing simulation and tools for linear analysis of dynamic systems
- Professional experience writing C++ and Python
- Experience with real-time signal processing
- Experience developing flight-test experiments for quantitative controls-performance characterization
- Experience with system identification analysis techniques and testing methods
- Experience developing flight controls and flight automation algorithms for CTOL and VTOL aircraft
- Experience with automatic differentiation tools
- Must qualify as a US Person under 22 C.F.R. § 120.15
Joby Aviation Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Joby Aviation and has not been reviewed or approved by Joby Aviation.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing perks are positioned as a meaningful part of the total package, including free daily meals and access to an on-site gym. These amenities are portrayed as reducing day-to-day costs and friction, making the overall rewards feel richer for some roles and sites.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is described as comprehensive, including a 401(k) plan with a company match. Ownership-oriented savings options like an ESPP are also included alongside retirement benefits.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity participation is a prominent component of total rewards through RSUs and an ESPP, making upside potential a core part of compensation design. This structure is framed as especially attractive when equity is valued as part of overall pay competitiveness.
Joby Aviation Insights
What We Do
Joby is a California-based company building quiet, all-electric aircraft to connect people like never before. With up to 150 miles of range and the ability to take off and land vertically, the Joby aircraft will change the way we move while reducing the acoustic and climate footprint of flight.
