Loads and Dynamics Engineer

Overview

As a Loads and Dyanmics Engineer, you will play an integral role in the development of Joby loads and aeroelasticity efforts. Responsibilities include contributing to in-house tools, computation of loads and flutter analyses, updating and validating aeroelastic modeling, and working with DERs and FAA representatives to certify Joby’s cutting-edge VTOL aircraft. The position requires a solid mathematical and engineering background, 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 loads derivation for fixed or rotary wing aircraft. A background in flutter analysis is also desired.

The position will be in our Santa Cruz, CA location, and will actively work with various teams at Joby Aviation, including flight physics, flight testing, airframe, and actuators, integration and test, certification, and more. This role will operate 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

• Implement loads database to be used by the structural design team

• Determining and interpreting the certification basis and establishing compliance strategies – including means and methods of compliance

• Developing, reviewing, and approving certification-related documents

• Working with and mentoring multiple engineering teams with a mix of aerospace and non-aerospace backgrounds

• Interfacing with certification authorities as required (FAA, EASA, etc.)

Required

• Experience with developing/authoring Certification documentation

• B.S. in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a relevant discipline

• 3+ years of experience performing detailed loads analysis for fixed-wing aircraft or rotorcraft

• Excellent understanding of aircraft external loads and aeroelasticity

• Previous experience working on an aircraft certification program

• Comfortable with analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, and Excel

• Ability to code engineering tools in MATLAB, Python and/or C and to run analysis tools on high performance compute platforms

Desired

• M.S. in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a relevant discipline

• Expert knowledge of FAR 23 and/or 27, but Part 25 and/or 29 is also applicable

• Demonstrated ability to quantify and develop aircraft and component external loads

• 5-7+ years of working experience in the aircraft certification industry

• Demonstrated knowledge and/or extensive experience correlating and validating loads models using experimental data

• Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience with Interactions of Systems of Structures and/or computing loads for aircraft with fly-by-wire control systems

• Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience with structural dynamics, AeroServoElastic (ASE) analyses, and/or certification requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience with NASTRAN, RCAS, or other aeroelastic analysis tools

• Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience with ground loads and landing gear multibody dynamic analysis

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $91,500 - $151,900/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.