Senior Propulsion Mechanical Engineer

Posted 3 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
San Carlos, CA, USA
In-Office
104K-181K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Automotive • Transportation
The Role
Designs, analyzes, prototypes, tests, and validates mechanical components and assemblies for aircraft propulsion power converters. Responsibilities include 3D CAD modeling, thermal and structural analysis, electronics packaging, vibration and EMI management, fixture design, troubleshooting, failure investigation, and cross-functional collaboration through production. The role applies mechanical engineering principles across structures, fluids, thermal management, materials, and electromechanical systems.
Summary Generated by Built In
Company Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

As a Mechanical Design Engineer on Joby Aviation's Propulsion Power Electronics team, you will be responsible for the design of world-class power converters. The work environment is dynamic, fast-paced, and challenging. Design engineers drive prototype builds, engineering testing, and product validation. Your day-to-day tasks will involve the design, analysis, and testing of all structural, thermal, environmental, and insulating aspects of converter components and their electrical connections.


Power electronics is a field that pushes the limits of a wide breadth of mechanical engineering disciplines. You will be required to apply core principles of statics and dynamics, fluid dynamics and thermal management, mechanics, and vibration analysis. This work is highly multidisciplinary; you will be expected to know or quickly learn basic electrical and magnetic physics, as well as elementary material science. Strong design skills, a ‘first-principles’ approach to problem-solving, and a profound curiosity to learn and develop are must-haves.

Responsibilities
  • Mechanical Design: Modeling and designing components and assemblies using 3D CAD software
  • Engineering Analysis: Performing analyses to optimize designs for various factors, including thermal (CFD), structural (FEA), and design for assembly/test (DFA/DFT)
  • Electronics Packaging: Solving complex packaging issues related to thermal management, electrical isolation, sealing, interconnection, shock/vibration management, and electromagnetic interference (EMI)
  • Prototyping and Testing: Assisting in engineering prototype builds, fabricating components, and designing test jigs and fixtures for validation
  • Validation and Troubleshooting: Running validation tests, collecting and analyzing lab data, investigating the root cause of failures, and implementing product improvements
  • Collaboration: Cooperating closely with a variety of cross-functional teams, including electrical, manufacturing, controls, external vendors, and test engineers, to take designs from concept to production
Required
  • B.S. or higher in mechanical engineering
  • 3-5+ years of demonstrated engineering experience - preferably “full-stack” with exposure to test, design, equipment/component selection, hands-on builds, bring-up and troubleshooting
  • Proficiency with professional 3D modeling software, preferably with Catia 3D Experience 
  • Proficiency in mechanical design, materials selection, kinematics, troubleshooting, and analysis
  • Excellent problem solving and communication skills
  • Strong analytical background – able to use first principles to drive/inform design
Desired
  • M.S. in mechanical engineering
  • 8+ years of Aviation or Automotive industry experience
  • Experience with finite element simulation tools
  • Experience with electric powertrains or other electromechanical systems (power electronics, battery systems, motors/actuators)
  • Strong fundamentals in fluid flow, thermals, structures
  • Experience with instrumentation selection/procurement and data acquisition
  • Electrical enclosure design experience
  • Experience taking design(s) through production
Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $104,000 - $181,000/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.


Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Skills Required

  • B.S. or higher in mechanical engineering
  • 3-5+ years of demonstrated engineering experience
  • Experience with full-stack engineering, including testing, design, component selection, hands-on builds, bring-up, and troubleshooting
  • Proficiency with professional 3D modeling software, preferably CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE
  • Proficiency in mechanical design, materials selection, kinematics, troubleshooting, and analysis
  • Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
  • Strong analytical background and ability to apply first principles to design
  • M.S. in mechanical engineering
  • 8+ years of aviation or automotive industry experience
  • Experience with finite element simulation tools
  • Experience with electric powertrains or electromechanical systems
  • Strong fundamentals in fluid flow, thermal systems, and structures
  • Experience with instrumentation selection, procurement, and data acquisition
  • Electrical enclosure design experience
  • Experience taking designs through production

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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