Modeling and 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

Joby Aviation is an equal opportunity employer.