Senior Aircraft Dynamics & Sim Software Engineer

XWING; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 113,900 - 187,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Healthcare benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)

Job summary

XWING is seeking a Senior Aircraft Dynamics & Simulation Software Engineer in Santa Cruz, CA. This role involves designing flight dynamics models using modern C++ and Python and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams. Ideal candidates hold an advanced degree with 2+ years of industry experience in related fields. Compensation ranges from $113,900 to $187,400 annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 2+ years industry experience or 5+ years with a university degree.
• Expert-level understanding of modeling techniques.
• Proficiency with professional software practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement flight dynamics models using C++ and Python.
• Develop modular simulation physics components.
• Collaborate with flight control engineers and simulation developers.

Skills

Modeling techniques

Python proficiency

C++ proficiency

Aero modeling technique selection

Education

Advanced degree in a related discipline (PhD/MS/MEng)

University degree in related discipline with 5+ years experience

Tools

Git/GitHub

Job description

Senior Aircraft Dynamics & Sim Software Engineer

Job Locations: US-CA-Santa Cruz

Joby Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. Since 2009, our team has worked steadily to make this dream a reality. We’ve designed and tested many generations of prototype aircraft capable of serving in a network of electric air taxis. We’re looking for talented, committed individuals to join our team as we push onward toward certifying the Joby aircraft, scaling our manufacturing, and launching our initial commercial service.

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 and 2+ years industry experience. A university degree in a related discipline and 5+ years industry experience will also be considered.
• 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 $113,900 - $187,400/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.