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Staff Motor Control Software Engineer

Joby Overview

Located in Northern California, the team at Joby Aviation is driven by our goal of creating an affordable, all-electric air transportation system. 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. Since 2009, our team has worked steadily to make this dream a reality. We’ve designed and tested many generations of prototype aircraft capable of serving in a network of electric air taxis. We’re looking for talented, committed individuals to join our team as we push onwards toward certifying the Joby aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration, scaling our manufacturing, and launching our initial commercial service.

Overview

This staff engineer will play a key role in a small, fast-moving team and participate in architecture, design, and implementation of motor control systems within our electric-powered, fly-by-wire aircraft. This engineer will work closely with the hardware, mechanical, integration, and flight-testing teams to design, develop, test and improve system-level behaviors.

Responsibilities

  • Position sensorless control of permanent magnet synchronous motors; including advanced inverter pulse-width modulation, position and velocity estimation, current control, fault detection, and efficiency optimization.
  • Closed loop position control of servo actuation systems; including redundant position sensors and multi-phase motors controlled from separate servo drives.
  • Optimization of motor controls using MATLAB Simulink with hand coding capability
  • Assure inverter and motor systems meet performance requirements via controls algorithm development, implementation and testing
  • Oversee dynamometer testing and interpretation of data for controls development, validation and improvement
  • Tuning and calibration of complete systems on dynamometers, on test stands, and on the aircraft.
  • Unit-tests for build environment, sub-system validation testing, integration testing, flight testing, software in the loop testing
  • Mentor junior engineers
  • Lead informal cross-functional teams/efforts

Required

  • University degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering
  • 8+ years of full-time industry experience
  • Expert knowledge of ac motor control design principles and applications including position sensorless field oriented control, PWM strategies, current control, velocity estimation. 
  • Expert knowledge of closed loop position control
  • Expert knowledge of MATLAB Simulink model-based design for controls development
  • Knowledge of real time bare-metal firmware development
  • Knowledge of object-oriented programming methodology and multi-layered system architectures
  • Knowledge of multi-threaded systems
  • Experience with basic electronics debugging tools: oscilloscope, logic analyzer, power analyzer
  • Experience with modern integrated development environments and debuggers
  • Basic understanding of version control technologies
  • Exposure to other languages such as: python, C#, C, SQL

Desired

  • Master of Science or Doctoral degree in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering focusing on power electronics and/or motor controls
  • Experience in working on the safety critical systems and knowledge of safety standards
  • Experience and/or knowledge of requirement engineering practices

Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $144,900 - $193,200/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.

Average salary estimate

$169050 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$144900K
$193200K

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What You Should Know About Staff Motor Control Software Engineer, Joby Aviation

At Joby Aviation, we're on an exciting journey to revolutionize air travel, and we're looking for a Staff Motor Control Software Engineer to join our vibrant team in San Carlos! Picture yourself being part of a mission where air taxis that take off vertically could soon be a reality. This role is key to our innovative approach in creating electric-powered, fly-by-wire aircraft. As a core member of our small yet dynamic team, you’ll dive into the architecture, design, and implementation of sophisticated motor control systems. Collaborating with talented professionals from hardware to flight-testing, you'll help enhance our aircraft’s system-level behaviors. Your expertise will shine as you manage everything from closed loop position control to optimizing motor controls using MATLAB Simulink. Plus, mentoring junior engineers will allow you to share your vast knowledge while continuously learning from others. If you're ready to tackle the exciting challenges of electric aviation and make a real impact in a forward-thinking company like Joby, we’d love to hear from you. Join us as we reach for the skies and innovate the future of transportation!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Staff Motor Control Software Engineer Role at Joby Aviation
What are the responsibilities of a Staff Motor Control Software Engineer at Joby Aviation?

As a Staff Motor Control Software Engineer at Joby Aviation, you will be involved in designing and implementing motor control systems for our cutting-edge electric aircraft. Your responsibilities will include developing sensorless control for permanent magnet synchronous motors, optimizing motor controls through advanced techniques, and overseeing extensive testing processes. You will also mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring that our innovations meet industry standards.

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What qualifications are required for the Staff Motor Control Software Engineer position at Joby Aviation?

To qualify as a Staff Motor Control Software Engineer at Joby Aviation, candidates should possess a university degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering, with at least 8 years of relevant industry experience. Expertise in ac motor control, closed loop position control, and MATLAB Simulink is essential, along with knowledge about real-time firmware development and multi-threaded systems. Familiarity with programming languages such as C# and Python is also desirable.

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How does Joby Aviation support professional development for Staff Motor Control Software Engineers?

At Joby Aviation, we believe in continuous growth and development. As a Staff Motor Control Software Engineer, you will have opportunities to mentor junior engineers, participate in cross-functional projects, and engage in innovative design discussions. We foster an environment that promotes learning, allowing you to advance your skills and stay at the forefront of the electric aviation industry while working alongside talented colleagues.

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What can I expect from the compensation package for a Staff Motor Control Software Engineer at Joby Aviation?

The compensation package for a Staff Motor Control Software Engineer at Joby Aviation includes a competitive base salary ranging from $144,900 to $193,200 per year, depending on your skills and experience. Additionally, we offer Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and a comprehensive benefits package that covers healthcare, a 401(k) plan with company matching, paid time off, and much more, ensuring that you are well taken care of both professionally and personally.

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Is Joby Aviation an equal opportunity employer for Staff Motor Control Software Engineer positions?

Yes, Joby Aviation firmly supports diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, which means we provide fair employment opportunities to everyone, regardless of background or identity. We encourage a diverse range of applicants for our Staff Motor Control Software Engineer position, as we believe that varied perspectives enhance our innovation and workplace culture.

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Common Interview Questions for Staff Motor Control Software Engineer
Can you explain your experience with ac motor control design principles?

When answering this question, detail specific projects where you have successfully implemented ac motor control principles. Highlight your understanding of PWM strategies, current control methods, and how you overcame challenges in real-time applications. Be sure to emphasize any related results or improvements you've achieved.

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What approach do you take for closed loop position control in electric motors?

Describe your methodology for implementing closed loop control systems, including any algorithms you've developed. Discuss your experience with redundancy in position sensors and the importance of robustness in control design. Use examples that illustrate how your controls have improved performance in practical applications.

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How do you optimize motor controls using MATLAB Simulink?

Explain the specific techniques you use within MATLAB Simulink for motor control optimization. Talk about your workflow from modeling through to simulation and testing, providing examples of how you've solved complex problems or optimized designs using these tools. Make your answer more compelling by referencing any measurable outcomes.

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Can you describe a challenging debugging experience you've had with motor control systems?

Share a specific instance where you faced a significant debugging challenge. Discuss the tools you used (like oscilloscopes or logic analyzers) and the methods you employed to pinpoint and rectify the issue. Make sure to highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work under pressure.

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What experience do you have with mentoring junior engineers?

Mention specific instances where you have guided junior engineers. Discuss the benefits of mentorship both for their development and your own growth. Share feedback you've received and how you've adapted your approach to meet different learning styles.

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How do you ensure that your motor control systems meet safety and performance standards?

Describe your approach to developing motor control systems while adhering to safety regulations. Talk about any specific standards you are familiar with and how you incorporate best practices into your design process to ensure both performance metrics and safety compliance.

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What programming languages and tools do you frequently use in your projects?

List the programming languages and tools you are proficient in, emphasizing any relevant experiences from previous positions. Discuss how you apply these skills in your role, particularly in relation to embedded systems or multi-threaded environments.

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How do you approach tuning and calibration of motor control systems?

Discuss the steps you take during the tuning and calibration process for motor control systems. Include your methodology for collecting data, determining optimal parameters, and conducting iterative testing. It’s helpful to mention how you adapt your strategy based on specific system requirements.

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What do you think is the most exciting aspect of working at Joby Aviation?

This question is an opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the company’s mission. Discuss how Joby Aviation’s innovative approach to transforming air travel excites you and aligns with your career aspirations, and mention particular aspects of the company culture or technology that inspire you.

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How do you stay updated with the latest developments in motor control technology?

Share the resources you rely on to stay informed about advancements within the field of motor control and related technologies. Mention any professional associations, journals, workshops, or online courses that you participate in to enhance your knowledge and skills continuously.

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Joby is a California-based company building quiet, all-electric aircraft to connect people like never before. With up to 150 miles of range and the ability to take off and land vertically, the Joby aircraft will change the way we move while reduci...

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 29, 2025

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