Senior/Staff Design Analyst, Powertrain

As a Senior/Staff Design Analyst in the Powertrain team at Joby Aviation, your main responsibilities involve developing and refining Finite Element Models (FEM), validating those models, and engaging in a thorough design iteration cycle through FEA. You'll also be responsible for structural design using CAD, conducting structural and material testing, and ensuring that complex mechanical systems and mechanisms meet performance criteria.

To be considered for the Senior/Staff Design Analyst role at Joby Aviation, you'll need a B.S. in mechanical engineering or a related field along with at least 5 years of relevant industry experience. Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis, particularly with tools like Abaqus, and hands-on experience in both validation of FE models and structural testing are essential for success in this position.

In the role of Senior/Staff Design Analyst at Joby Aviation, you'll work with advanced tools such as Abaqus for Finite Element Analysis, CAD software like CATIA V6 and Solidworks, and other Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) platforms. Familiarity with these tools will help enhance the design and testing processes integral to the role.

Joby Aviation offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of electric air transportation. Here, our innovative environment fosters creativity and collaboration among engineers who are passionate about sustainable aviation. As an employer, we provide competitive compensation, stock options, a strong benefits package, and a mission that aims to change how people connect with their world.

Career growth potential for a Senior/Staff Design Analyst at Joby Aviation is promising. Given the innovative nature of our work and the ongoing expansion of our projects, there are plenty of opportunities for professional development, leadership roles, and specialization in various aspects of design engineering, particularly as we push toward certification and scaling manufacturing.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you've used FEA. Discuss the software you implemented, the types of models you developed, any challenges you faced, and how you validated the results. Tailoring your experience to highlight relevant aspects will demonstrate your expertise.

This is an opportunity to showcase your design philosophy. Explain how you integrate CAD and iterative design processes, along with the types of tests you employ to validate your designs. Mention any relevant metrics you track and how you incorporate feedback to refine your work.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer. Detail the testing scenario, what did not perform as expected, how you modified your designs, and the effective outcome of those changes to emphasize your problem-solving skills.

Discuss challenges such as weight constraints, material selection, thermal management, and regulatory compliance. Then, illustrate your proactive approach to overcoming these challenges, showing your readiness to innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing industry.

Talk about your familiarity with relevant FAA guidelines and industry best practices. Highlight processes you follow to keep your designs compliant, such as regular code reviews, consulting with regulatory teams, or referencing industry standards throughout the design process.

Highlight how you collaborate with other teams like manufacturing, testing, and product management. Describe specific instances where your contributions aided the project, and discuss your communication style to show how you promote teamwork and alignment.

Provide a detailed response where you outline a specific technical challenge, the steps you took to analyze the issue, and the methods you used to arrive at a solution. This response should showcase your analytical skills and technical knowledge in design engineering.

Discuss the processes and tools you use for rapid design iteration, showcasing your understanding of agile practices in engineering, such as fast prototyping, frequent testing, and incorporating real-time feedback into design revisions.

This question gauges your knowledge of complex interactions in design. Offer a comprehensive explanation that includes its importance in powertrain systems and examples of how you would approach solving related design challenges.

Convey your passion for sustainability and innovation. Discuss the impact you hope to make in the industry and how your vision aligns with Joby Aviation's mission to create a cleaner, more efficient mode of transport.