Flight Dynamics Model Developer

Joby Aviation • Santa Cruz, CA

1d • $108,000 - $144,000

About The Position

Joby Aviation is leading the industry by introducing a revolutionary urban air mobility aircraft featuring the innovative all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) JAS4-1 air vehicle. The Modeling and Simulation (M&S) team seeks a highly motivated engineer to help deliver the JAS4-1 vehicle to the marketplace. This role requires a willingness to learn and develop a range of knowledge and skills that include executing tests in a flight simulator environment, post-flight analysis, comparison of experimental data to models, and all other tasks related to the development and validation of models for an eVTOL.

Requirements

• B.S. in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a relevant discipline.
• 5-7 years of industry in relevant disciplines. Experience credit considered for related advance degrees limited to 2 years for Masters and 5 years for PhD in fields applicable to this job.
• Expert level understanding of first principles in aircraft and rotorcraft aerodynamics
• Expert proficiency in C++ for developing complex, performance-critical applications.
• Strong experience with Python for analysis, prototyping, and model development.
• Experience with modern software development practices, including version control (e.g., Git), build automation (e.g., CMake), debugging, and performance optimization.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, with an ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Deep knowledge of finite-state dynamic inflow models, vortex methods, or other advanced aerodynamic modeling techniques.
• Understanding of data regression, and surrogate models
• Familiarity with flightdynamics, and aircraft stability & control.
• Experience correlating and validating aerodynamics models using experimental data
• Previous experience working on an aviation certification program

Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, and implement high-fidelity aerodynamic models for real-time simulation, performance prediction, and system analysis, with a focus on rotorcraft aeromechanics, flight dynamics, and aerodynamic interference.
• Support the verification and validation (V&V) of flight models, rigorously correlating simulation outputs against data from CFD, wind tunnel tests, and flight test campaigns.
• Document the derivation, correlation, and validation of models to support the aircraft's certification program.
• Collaborate closely with flight physics, flight controls, and flight test teams to define modeling requirements and ensure simulation accuracy meets engineering needs.

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
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees