Powertrain System Modeling Engineer (multiple levels)

Company 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. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven engineer to join our powertrain modeling and algorithms team. Our team (1) builds and validates models of Joby’s advanced electric powertrain systems, then applies them to (2) assess and report system level performance and sensitivities, using (3) numerical optimization (convex and nonlinear programming) to (4) perform trade studies and optimize hardware designs, and to (5) develop model-based algorithms for critical flight applications (e.g. range prediction).

The role requires you to bring a strong foundation in modeling and simulation techniques, numerical optimization, data science, electric powertrains, thermal systems, and general engineering fundamentals. You’ll need to be adept at working both independently and collaboratively (regularly working with a cross-functional team of subject matter experts from different engineering disciplines).

Responsibilities

• Collaboratively develop and maintain a powertrain-focused vehicle-level model, interacting closely with subject matter experts from battery, motor, inverter, thermal, and other hardware teams.
• Maintain and enhance the model codebase in Python and Matlab/Simulink.
• Use convex/NLP numerical optimization to conduct regular system or component-level performance and sensitivity analyses.
• Support cross-disciplinary trade studies to solve present engineering problems and guide future hardware development.

Required

• A Master of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent) (or real-world experience that demonstates a Bachelor's was enough).
• Strong understanding of the fundamentals of Differential Equations and their numerical solutions methods, and linear algebra.
• Proficiency with numerical optimization including convex optimization and nonlinear programming. Experience with gradient-based solvers, interior point methods, and problem formulation. Experience coding with tools such as CasADI, IPOPT, SNOPT, or cvxpy.
• 3-5 years of experience in the modeling and analyzing of dynamical systems (mechanical, electrical, and thermofluids).
• Experience in the developing, analyzing, and/or modeling of electric powertrain systems (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, stepper and brushless electric motors, inverters, thermal systems).
• Expert in Python. Proficient in MATLAB and Simulink. Experience in parallel computing is a plus.
• Knowledge of version control software (e.g. Git) and experience working on collaborative software projects.
• Self motivated and able to work independently.
• Strong collaborator and effective communicator (cross-team collaborations and relationships are critical to our success).

Desired

• A Masters or Doctorate in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Expertise in advanced modeling of lithium-ion batteries, electric motors, inverters, or similar.
• Expertise in thermofluid systems and their modeling, including air-and liquid-cooled systems.
• Experience in the aerospace industry.
• Advanced data science skills.
• Experience in validating complex models with various data sources.
• Expertise in system and parameter identification methods.
• Expertise in data-driven modeling techniques.
• Understanding of linear and nonlinear system theory concepts (e.g., system stability, observability/identifiability).

Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $109,000 - $189,000/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.

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer