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Sr. Propulsion Controls & Simulation Engineer

Odys Aviation· Engineering
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Long Beach, CAfull-timePosted 6mo ago

About the role

Design and develop control algorithms and propulsion models for aircraft, ensuring high-fidelity simulation, hardware correlation, and safety-critical embedded controls in aerospace applications.

Responsibilities

  • Design & develop control algorithms for high‑voltage (400–800 VDC) motor/generator drives, active rectifiers, and DC/DC converters for aircraft propulsion.
  • Build and maintain high‑fidelity propulsion models (machines, SiC inverters/rectifiers, DC‑link, batteries, turbines/propulsors, sensors/actuators) in MATLAB/Simulink, Simscape, and PLECS/PSIM; perform parameter identification from lab/rig data and ensure tight model‑to‑hardware correlation.
  • Architect and tune discrete‑time current/voltage/speed/torque loops (FOC with MTPA/MTPV, flux‑weakening), SVPWM/DPWM, PLLs, and digital filters with documented stability margins.
  • Stand up MIL/SIL/HIL environments (Typhoon HIL/OPAL‑RT/Speedgoat); create automated regression and fault‑injection tests; release real‑time model variants and close model‑vs‑bench gaps.
  • Implement production‑quality embedded controls via Embedded Coder or C/C++ on TI C2000‑class DSPs, including diagnostics, FDIR, safe‑state behavior, and fixed‑point implementation.
  • Establish a governed propulsion‑model library and data pipeline: version control, CI for models, validation metrics, requirements traceability, and calibrated datasets from ground testing.
  • Lead model‑based trade studies and optimization to evaluate performance, safety, and cost across propulsion configurations; deliver clear recommendations and design artifacts.
  • Collaborate with hardware, battery/BMS, thermal, mechanical, and flight‑controls teams to define ICDs and real‑time communication; support system bring-up and tuning.
  • Drive EMI‑aware control strategies and modulation/switching‑frequency schedules for SiC stages; manage ripple, noise, and circulating currents.
  • Produce engineering deliverables—control design specs, modeling reports, calibration guides, and verification evidence—aligned with aerospace development practices.

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Power Electronics, or related field (BS with strong relevant experience considered).
  • 5+ years designing, simulating, and validating motor‑drive/converter controls for high‑power systems.
  • Deep expertise in PMSM control: d‑q transforms, discrete control design, SVPWM/DPWM, stability analysis, flux‑weakening, and MTPA/MTPV.
  • Hands‑on modeling skills in MATLAB/Simulink (Simscape, Embedded Coder) and PLECS/PSIM; demonstrated parameter ID, system identification, calibration from test data.
  • Experience with HIL toolchains and test automation (Typhoon/OPAL‑RT/Speedgoat; Python/MATLAB scripting; Git CI).
  • Proven ability to translate algorithms to real‑time DSP implementation, debugging with lab tools, and clear documentation.
  • Systems thinking for efficiency, EMI/EMC, thermal limits, and reliability for 100–300 kW‑class drives.
  • Excellent communication and leadership capabilities.

Skills

Required:Control Algorithms DevelopmentHigh-fidelity Modeling in MATLAB/SimulinkHardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) TestingEmbedded Systems ProgrammingSystems Thinking & Integration
Last updated Apr 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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About Odys Aviation

Vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for major airlines

Odys Aviation (formerly Craft Aero) builds vertical take-off and landing aircraft for major airlines. We cut travel time in half on the world’s busiest routes by using city helipads and local airports. The company founders are electric propulsion and automotive manufacturing experts who have spent their careers electrifying transportation systems at Virgin Hyperloop, GoogleX, Volvo, and Fisker Automotive. We’ve won two USAF Agility Prime contracts, have pre-orders and options for more than 1,000 aircraft.

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