Aircraft Dynamics & Sim Software Engineer

Joby Aviation • Santa Cruz, CA

5h

About The Position

The Flight Research team at Joby is seeking a highly capable simulation software engineer with deep expertise in aircraft flight dynamics and scientific computing. This role is a unique opportunity to apply modern C++ and Python to cutting-edge aircraft modeling problems from simulating novel aircraft configurations to solving challenging dynamics and control problems that have no playbook.
You’ll join a small, tightly integrated team responsible for the development of simulation software and dynamic models used across Joby’s autonomy developments, research and development efforts. Ideal candidates are exceptional problem solvers, comfortable operating at the intersection of software, physics, and math, and excited by the opportunity to invent new methods when existing ones fall short.
We value curiosity, initiative, and the ability to work independently while collaborating deeply with adjacent teams in GNC, aircraft design, and flight software.

Requirements

• An advanced degree (PhD/MS/MEng) in a related discipline or 2+ yrs industry experience.
• Fundamental and expert-level understanding of different modeling techniques and approaches, including vortex lattice, nonlinear lifting line, blade element momentum and CFD.
• Expert-level knowledge and experience with aero modeling technique selection based on the requirements of different applications.
• Familiarity and proficiency with Python.
• Proficiency with professional software practices.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing multi-body dynamics simulation models
• C++ proficiency
• Fortran proficiency
• Experience with Git/GitHub

Responsibilities

• Design and implement multi-fidelity flight dynamics models for novel aircraft using modern C++ and Python.
• Develop modular simulation physics components, including models for aerodynamics, actuators, sensors, and environmental effects.
• Contribute to both offline and real-time simulation frameworks used for control development, regression testing, and pilot-in-the-loop evaluation.
• Apply numerical methods to solve estimation, simulation, and control problems in support of aircraft research.
• Collaborate with flight control engineers, simulation developers, and airframe designers to align software architecture with aircraft requirements.
• Participate in the evaluation of flight test data to perform system identification and validate models.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level