Senior Loads and Dynamics Engineer

Overview

As a Senior Loads and Dynamics Engineer, will play an integral role in the development of Joby’s external loads criteria. Responsibilities include contributing to in-house tools and methods development, computation of external loads for airframe and propeller systems, updating and validating aeroelastic modeling, and working with DERs and FAA representatives to certify Joby’s cutting-edge VTOL aircraft.

This position requires a solid mathematical and engineering background appropriate to aeronautical/aerospace disciplines, a detailed conceptual understanding of aircraft dynamics and aerodynamics, and strong attention to detail. The applicant is expected to have experience with static and dynamic external loads derivation for aircraft; a background in flutter or rotordynamic analysis is also desired.

Located in Santa Cruz, CA, this role involves active collaboration with various teams at Joby, including Flight Physics, Flight Testing, Airframe, Actuators, Integration and Test, and Certification. This role operates in a fast-paced, demanding, and rewarding environment with very high expectations for individual contribution.

Responsibilities

• Develop external loads and aeroelastic models and methods.
• Develop aerodynamic databases for use in aircraft aeroelastic models.
• Develop multi-DOF flight dynamics simulations for use in external loads and dynamics.
• Interpret experimental data to correlate and validate aircraft aeroelastic models.
• Support flight, ground, and laboratory testing for the development of models and certification of empirical loads.
• Implement load databases to be used by the structural and systems design teams.
• Determine and interpret the certification basis and establish compliance strategies—including means and methods of compliance—while coordinating with DERs.
• Develop and review certification-related documents.
• Work with and mentor multiple engineering teams with a mix of aerospace and non-aerospace backgrounds.
• Interface with certification authorities as required (FAA, EASA, etc.).
• Maintain a strong work ethic and demonstrated problem-solving capabilities.

Required

• Experience with developing and authoring certification documentation.
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a relevant discipline.
• 7+ years of experience performing detailed loads analysis for fixed-wing aircraft or rotorcraft.
• Excellent understanding of aircraft loads and aeroelasticity.
• Previous experience working on an aviation certification program (civil aircraft, helicopter, or eVTOL preferred; military experience acceptable).
• Ability to correctly interpret the application of regulations, guidance material, and engineering specifications.
• Experience with NASTRAN, RCAS, or other aeroelastic analysis tools.
• Proficiency with analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, Bash, and Excel.
• Ability to effectively use high-performance computing (HPC) assets (compute clusters and/or Linux OS environments).

Desired

• M.S. or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a relevant discipline.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, FAR/EASA Part 23, 25, and/or 27 compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to quantify and develop aircraft and component external loads.
• Extensive experience correlating and validating load models using experimental data.
• Demonstrated experience with the interaction of systems and structures and/or computing loads for aircraft with fly-by-wire control systems.
• Knowledge and experience with AeroServoElastic (ASE) analyses and certification requirements.
• Experience with ground loads and landing gear multibody dynamic analysis.
• Demonstrated HPC and cloud computing skillsets.

 

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $149,900 - $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.