Joby Aviation is a company focused on designing, developing, and flight-testing novel aircraft with a software-first autonomy approach. They are seeking an early-career GNC engineer to support the development and flight testing of new aircraft configurations, involving writing flight controls software and assisting in flight test planning and execution.
Responsibilities
- Write and maintain flight controls software (C++) for VTOL and CTOL research aircraft under the guidance of senior engineers
- Support the development and use of stability and performance analysis tools (C++/Python) for open-loop and closed-loop evaluation
- Help formulate and execute flight-test plans, including defining test points, success criteria, and data collection requirements
- Directly support flight testing of various aircraft platforms as a crew member in a remote ground station
- Analyze flight data post-test to assess controls performance, identify anomalies, and feed findings back into the development cycle
- Collaborate closely with the software & controls team on design, code review, and integration of GNC solutions
Skills
- BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (MS preferred)
- Solid understanding of aircraft dynamics and classical/modern control theory (state-space methods, stability analysis, PID and LQR design)
- Proficiency in C++ and Python; comfort working in a codebase with other engineers
- Familiarity with simulation environments for dynamic systems (e.g., Simulink, custom C++ sims, or similar)
- Strong attention to detail and a systematic approach to debugging and testing
- Eagerness to work hands-on with hardware and in a flight-test environment
- 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
- Experience (academic or professional) with real-time or embedded software
- Exposure to flight test operations, data acquisition, or instrumentation
- Familiarity with system identification techniques or frequency-domain analysis
- Experience with signal processing fundamentals
- Any hands-on experience with UAVs, subscale flight vehicles, or hardware-in-the-loop testing
- Familiarity with version control (Git) and collaborative software development practices
Benefits
- 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.
Company Overview
Joby Aviation is an aerospace transportation company developing electric aircrafts. It was founded in 2009, and is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is http://www.jobyaviation.com.