Senior Design Analyst, Powertrain

As a Senior Design Analyst at Joby Aviation, you will focus on developing and refining Finite Element Models (FEM) for our powertrain components. Your key responsibilities include conducting FEA across a variety of mechanical systems, performing structural design with CAD, and engaging in iterative testing processes to validate designs. You will be heavily involved throughout the product development lifecycle, supporting the transition from concept to production.

To be considered for the Senior Design Analyst position at Joby Aviation, candidates must possess at least a B.S. in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline. Additionally, at least 5 years of relevant experience in the industry is required, along with proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (Abaqus) and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE). Knowledge in non-linear analysis and familiarity with structural testing are also essential.

Candidates for the Senior Design Analyst position at Joby Aviation should have practical experience in validating FE models through component and system-level testing. Experience with modeling complex mechanisms and understanding material behavior are vital, as well as hands-on experience with various mechanical testing methods. A solid grasp of product design principles and iterative design processes is also crucial.

For the Senior Design Analyst role at Joby Aviation, proficiency in Finite Element Analysis software such as Abaqus and experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools like CATIA V6 or Solidworks are important. Familiarity with specific manufacturing methods and testing equipment will also enhance your ability to contribute effectively to the powertrain team.

Joby Aviation offers a competitive compensation package for the Senior Design Analyst role, with a target base pay ranging from $123,400 to $201,500 per year, depending on experience and skills. In addition to salary, the benefits include healthcare coverage, a 401(k) plan with company matching, paid time off, an employee stock purchase plan, and other additional benefits to support a healthy work-life balance.

In answering this question, focus on specific projects you've worked on and how you've utilized FEA tools like Abaqus. Highlight your ability to develop and validate models independently, and your understanding of the challenges in non-linear analysis and structural dynamics.

Discuss your strategy for rapid design iteration, including how you prioritize tasks, communicate your findings effectively with team members, and use feedback to refine your designs quickly. Illustrate this with examples from past experiences.

Explain your process in validating FE models by discussing the types of tests you have conducted, how you correlate model predictions with experimental data, and the importance of ensuring model accuracy in product design.

Best to focus on a specific example where you encountered challenges, the methodologies you used to tackle them, and the outcomes derived from your analysis. Emphasize your problem-solving skills and innovation.

Talk about your proficiency with CAD tools such as CATIA or Solidworks. Give examples of projects where you utilized these tools effectively to enhance the design process and improve collaboration within the team.

Reflect on a project where test results led to substantial design modifications. Discuss the feedback loop between testing and design, and how using this process improves future iterations.

Describe your insights into material selection and how factors such as temperature, strain rate, and material type influence structural design. Explain how this knowledge has shaped your previous project outcomes.

Provide a specific example showcasing your teamwork skills. Highlight the importance of collaboration and communication in overcoming challenges and meeting project deadlines as a Senior Design Analyst.

Discuss your habits for continuous learning, whether through professional development courses, attending conferences, or engaging with industry publications. Emphasize your commitment to staying at the forefront in your field.

Talk about the checks and balances you have put in place within your workflow to ensure quality assurance. This might include reviews, simulations, testing, and validation processes that contribute to producing high-quality designs.