Odys Aviation · 2 months ago
Sr. Propulsion Controls & Simulation Engineer
Long Beach, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expOdys Aviation is focused on building safe, sustainable aircraft to revolutionize air travel. The Sr. Propulsion Controls & Simulation Engineer will design and develop control algorithms for aircraft propulsion systems, ensuring high fidelity in modeling and performance optimization.
AerospaceAir TransportationCommercial
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 iron‑bird/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 comms (CAN/CAN‑FD/Ethernet); support dyno/iron‑bird bring‑up and tuning
Drive EMI‑aware control strategies and modulation/switching‑frequency schedules for SiC stages; manage DC‑link ripple, torque ripple, circulating currents, and acoustic/noise constraints
Produce engineering deliverables—control design specs, modeling reports, calibration/tuning guides, and verification evidence—aligned with aerospace development practices
Qualification
Required
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, bandwidth/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, and statistical/model‑fit validation against test data
Experience with HIL toolchains and test automation (Typhoon/OPAL‑RT/Speedgoat; Python/MATLAB scripting; Git‑based CI for models and code)
Proven ability to take algorithms from model to real‑time DSP implementation, debug with lab instrumentation, and document results crisply
Strong systems thinking across efficiency, EMI/EMC, thermal limits, and reliability for 100–300 kW‑class drives
Excellent communication and collaboration skills; ability to lead workstreams and meet critical milestones
Preferred
Sensorless control across the full operating range, ride‑through/derating strategies, and fault‑handled limp modes
Generator‑mode and active‑rectifier control for high‑speed machines; grid/AC synchronization and DC‑link ripple management
Multi‑three‑phase machines: PWM synchronization, circulating‑current mitigation, and torque‑ripple minimization
Experience building component and system‑level propulsion models with real‑time and reduced‑order variants; calibration using iron‑bird/flight datasets; scenario coverage and model acceptance criteria
Exposure to safety‑critical development and verification flows (ARP4754B/DO‑160; familiarity with DO‑178C/DO‑254 or ISO 26262/ASPICE), FMEA/FTA, and requirements traceability
EMI/EMC‑aware control for SiC stages operating >20–40 kHz; familiarity with spread‑spectrum/DPWM techniques
Integration experience with BMS and flight controls over CAN/CAN‑FD/Ethernet (time sync/TSN/PTP familiarity a plus)
Track record shipping production‑ready controls and models in fast, cross‑functional hardware programs
Company
Odys Aviation
Odys Aviation is an aircraft startup making hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft for regional mobility.
11-50 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Odys Aviation has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2024 (1)
2023 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$41.9MKey Investors
Nova Threshold
2025-10-09Series A· $26M
2022-02-10Seed· $12.4M
2021-08-18Pre Seed
Leadership Team
James Dorris
Co-Founder, CEO
Oliver Reinhardt
Head of Design Organization
Recent News
2025-11-23
Oman Observer
2025-11-09
2025-11-01
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