Flight Research GNC Test & Development Engineer

Joby Aviation is a company focused on designing, developing, and flight-testing novel aircraft with a software-first autonomy approach. They are seeking an early-career GNC engineer to support the development and flight testing of new aircraft configurations, involving writing flight controls software and assisting in flight test planning and execution.

Responsibilities

• Write and maintain flight controls software (C++) for VTOL and CTOL research aircraft under the guidance of senior engineers
• Support the development and use of stability and performance analysis tools (C++/Python) for open-loop and closed-loop evaluation
• Help formulate and execute flight-test plans, including defining test points, success criteria, and data collection requirements
• Directly support flight testing of various aircraft platforms as a crew member in a remote ground station
• Analyze flight data post-test to assess controls performance, identify anomalies, and feed findings back into the development cycle
• Collaborate closely with the software & controls team on design, code review, and integration of GNC solutions

Skills

• BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (MS preferred)
• Solid understanding of aircraft dynamics and classical/modern control theory (state-space methods, stability analysis, PID and LQR design)
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; comfort working in a codebase with other engineers
• Familiarity with simulation environments for dynamic systems (e.g., Simulink, custom C++ sims, or similar)
• Strong attention to detail and a systematic approach to debugging and testing
• Eagerness to work hands-on with hardware and in a flight-test environment
• 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
• Experience (academic or professional) with real-time or embedded software
• Exposure to flight test operations, data acquisition, or instrumentation
• Familiarity with system identification techniques or frequency-domain analysis
• Experience with signal processing fundamentals
• Any hands-on experience with UAVs, subscale flight vehicles, or hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Familiarity with version control (Git) and collaborative software development practices

Benefits

• 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.

Company Overview