Modeling & Simulation Flight Dynamics Engineer

Posted 9 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Santa Cruz, CA, USA
In-Office
122K-206K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Automotive • Transportation
The Role
Develop and validate aerodynamic and flight dynamics models for real-time simulation, performance prediction, flight testing, and certification. Run 6-DOF simulations, analyze experimental data, perform system identification, correlate models with flight and wind tunnel results, and improve modeling tools. Collaborate with flight controls, flight test, flight physics, and test pilot teams to define model accuracy and enhance simulation fidelity.
Summary Generated by Built In
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

Joby Aviation is an equal opportunity employer. 

Skills Required

  • B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience
  • Alternatively, an M.S., M.Eng., or Ph.D. with 2+ years of relevant industry experience
  • Equivalent practical experience may be accepted
  • Strong understanding of aircraft and rotorcraft aerodynamics and flight dynamics
  • Knowledge of 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 independently and as part of a team
  • Experience developing and validating 6-DOF nonlinear aircraft simulations
  • Experience processing experimental data, including data reduction and Kalman filtering or smoothing
  • Experience conducting wind tunnel tests and applying results to simulation models
  • Experience on an aviation certification program
  • Experience with VTOL, rotorcraft, or tiltrotor flight dynamics

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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The Company
HQ: Santa Cruz, CA
946 Employees
Year Founded: 2009

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.

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