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 Joby Aviation is an aerospace transportation company developing electric aircrafts. It was founded in 2009, and is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is