Aircraft Dynamics & Sim Software Engineer

XWING; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 121,500 - 206,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Healthcare benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Employee stock purchase plan

Disability coverage

Life insurance

Job summary

XWING is seeking an Aircraft Dynamics & Sim Software Engineer to design flight dynamics models and develop simulation components using modern C++ and Python. The role requires collaboration with flight control engineers and other teams to align software with aircraft requirements.

The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree or relevant industry experience and expertise in aerodynamics modeling techniques. A competitive compensation package along with various benefits, including paid time off and a 401(k) plan, is offered.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related discipline or 2+ years of industry experience.
• Expert understanding of modeling techniques including vortex lattice and CFD.
• Proficiency in Python and professional software practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement flight dynamics models using C++ and Python.
• Develop simulation physics components for aerodynamics and sensors.
• Collaborate with engineers to align software with aircraft requirements.

Skills

Modeling techniques understanding

Expert-level aero modeling

Python proficiency

C++ proficiency

Fortran proficiency

Education

PhD/MS/MEng in related discipline

Tools

Git/GitHub

Job description

Aircraft Dynamics & Sim Software Engineer

Company Overview

Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations.

Overview

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.

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.

Required

• 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.

Desired

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

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $121,500 - $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.