Powertrain System Modeling Engineer (multiple levels)

Joby Aviation•San Carlos, CA

About The Position

Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven engineer to join our powertrain modeling and algorithms team. Our team builds and validates models of Joby’s advanced electric powertrain systems, then applies them to assess and report system level performance and sensitivities. We use numerical optimization to perform trade studies and optimize hardware designs, and to develop model-based algorithms for critical flight applications like range prediction. The role requires a strong foundation in modeling and simulation techniques, numerical optimization, data science, electric powertrains, thermal systems, and general engineering fundamentals. The ideal candidate will be adept at working both independently and collaboratively with a cross-functional team of subject matter experts.

Requirements

A Master of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent) (or real-world experience that demonstrates a Bachelor's was enough).
Strong understanding of the fundamentals of Differential Equations and their numerical solutions methods, and linear algebra.
Proficiency with numerical optimization including convex optimization and nonlinear programming.
Experience with gradient-based solvers, interior point methods, and problem formulation.
Experience coding with tools such as CasADI, IPOPT, SNOPT, or cvxpy.
3-5 years of experience in the modeling and analyzing of dynamical systems (mechanical, electrical, and thermofluids).
Experience in the developing, analyzing, and/or modeling of electric powertrain systems (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, stepper and brushless electric motors, inverters, thermal systems).
Expert in Python.
Proficient in MATLAB and Simulink.
Knowledge of version control software (e.g. Git) and experience working on collaborative software projects.
Self motivated and able to work independently.
Strong collaborator and effective communicator (cross-team collaborations and relationships are critical to our success).

Nice To Haves

A Masters or Doctorate in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent).
Expertise in advanced modeling of lithium-ion batteries, electric motors, inverters, or similar.
Expertise in thermofluid systems and their modeling, including air-and liquid-cooled systems.
Experience in the aerospace industry.
Advanced data science skills.
Experience in validating complex models with various data sources.
Expertise in system and parameter identification methods.
Expertise in data-driven modeling techniques.
Understanding of linear and nonlinear system theory concepts (e.g., system stability, observability/identifiability).
Experience in parallel computing is a plus.

Responsibilities

Collaboratively develop and maintain a powertrain-focused vehicle-level model, interacting closely with subject matter experts from battery, motor, inverter, thermal, and other hardware teams.
Maintain and enhance the model codebase in Python and Matlab/Simulink.
Use convex/NLP numerical optimization to conduct regular system or component-level performance and sensitivity analyses.
Support cross-disciplinary trade studies to solve present engineering problems and guide future hardware development.