engineering
Posted May 4Staff Propulsion Controls & Software Engineer
Hybrid
Responsibilities
- RESPONSIBILITIES - Design, implement, and optimize discrete-time control loops for PMSM drives, active rectifiers, and DC/DC converters, including FOC with MTPA/MTPV, flux-weakening, sensorless observers, SVPWM/DPWM, PLLs, and digital filters. - Develop the Hybrid System Controller (HSC), which encompasses supervisory power-split and energy-management logic to coordinate the turbogenerator, battery, DC bus, and propulsion inverters.
- - Develop EMI-aware modulation and switching-frequency strategies for SiC stages operating at frequencies greater than 20–40 kHz; manage DC-link ripple, torque ripple, and acoustic constraints through software.
- - Build and maintain high-fidelity propulsion models - including machines, SiC inverters/rectifiers, DC-link, batteries, propulsors, and sensors - using MATLAB/Simulink, Simscape, and PLECS.
- Identify parameters from bench and rig data and resolve discrepancies between models and experimental results. - Establish and manage MIL/SIL/HIL environments using Typhoon HIL, OPAL-RT, and Speedgoat.
- Develop automated regression and fault-injection test suites, and release real-time model variants through Git-based continuous integration. - Transition algorithms from model to target via Embedded Coder or hand-written C/C++ for DSP platforms (such as TI C2000, ARM Cortex-R/M, or equivalent).
- Deliver production firmware, including fixed-point implementation, fault detection, isolation and recovery (FDIR), diagnostics, and safe-state behavior. - Translate system architecture into control specifications, simulation studies, and firmware requirements, and proactively communicate implementation risks to the systems architect. - Define real-time communications and interface control documents (ICDs) for CAN/CAN-FD/Ethernet protocols.
- Support dyno and iron-bird system integration, correlate simulation with hardware performance, and iterate designs to meet specifications. - Produce deliverables aligned with DO-178C, DO-254, and ARP4754B standards, including design specifications, modeling reports, calibration guides, and verification evidence.
- Establish review processes and standardize templates for the controls and simulation workflow.
Requirements
- To get there, we start with our UAV called Laila for commercial logistics, medical transport, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and defense missions.
- We’re a team of expert engineers from deep tech and aerospace that focus on fast iterations loops (completed transition flight https://youtu.be/AffdzQDUv2U faster than our peers) combined with mastery of the aircraft certification process.
- Additionally, you will develop high-fidelity models to predict their behavior, establish MIL/SIL/HIL infrastructures for verification, and deliver the production firmware for operation.
- The primary deliverable is a propulsion stack that aligns with simulation results, complies with aerospace certification requirements, and is robust enough to perform effectively in real flight conditions.
- REQUIREMENTS - MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or Controls; candidates with a BS and significant relevant
- experience in developing controls and embedded software for high-power motor drives or power converters.
- - Proficient knowledge of SiC MOSFET-based stages, encompassing switching behavior, gate-driver interactions, dead-time effects, and high-voltage protection—sufficient to design control and protection logic in adherence with device physics, even if not responsible for schematic drafting.
- - Skilled in MATLAB/Simulink, Simscape, and PLECS for powertrain modeling, with familiarity in SPICE for device-level analysis. - Proven
- experience with MIL/SIL/HIL methodologies, including establishing new hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments and developing automated test suites. -
- Experience in production embedded implementation utilizing Embedded Coder or hand-coded C/C++ on DSPs, fixed-point arithmetic, real-time scheduling, and on-target debugging. - Demonstrated ability to lead controls and embedded subsystem development from concept. PREFERRED
- QUALIFICATIONS - Aerospace or eVTOL powertrain experience, with familiarity in FAA/EASA certification processes. -
- Experience with DO-178C compliance in regulated environments, as well as working familiarity with DO-254, ARP4754B, FMEA/FTA, and
- experience with Typhoon, OPAL-RT, and Speedgoat platforms, utilizing advanced Python/MATLAB test automation and Git-based continuous integration for models and code. - Practical
- experience in production sensorless control, wide-range flux-weakening, ride-through, and limp-mode strategies, either in flight or field applications. - Expertise in generator-mode and active-rectifier control for high-speed machines, including multi-three-phase PWM synchronization and circulating-current mitigation. - Integration of BMS and flight controls over CAN, CAN-FD, and Ethernet, with familiarity in TSN/PTP time-synchronization.
Contact
- Our flagship aircraft Alta enables travelers to skip the big-airport hassle https://youtu.be/fyI4XMsF2rM by using city helipads and local airports to connect cities less than 1,000 miles apart (approx 40% of flights).
- We’re deploying aircraft with launch partners (Fiji Airways https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-09-20/fiji-airways-plans-connect-pacific-islands-laila-vtol, Honeywell https://aerospace.honeywell.com/us/en/about-us/press-release/2024/07/honeywell-odys-aviation-to-collaborate-on-uncrewed-aircraft-operations-in-the-middle-east-and-pacific, Aramex https://evtolinsights.com/2024/01/odys-aviation-aramex-announce-collaboration-to-develop-cargo-operations-in-uae-and-oman/, US Navy) beginning
Additional details
- ABOUT ODYS Our mission at Odys is simple - we build safe, sustainable aircraft to cut travel time in half on the world's busiest corridors.
- And on average cut CO2 by 76% on tens of billions of flight miles globally.
- Previously, our team developed custom drones, brought multiple automotive platforms into production, and electrified transportation vehicles that magnetically levitate, that roll, that fly.
- Together, we’ve been learning, developing, building, testing, and preparing for this challenge our entire lives.
- ABOUT THE ROLE Odys Aviation is at the forefront of developing hybrid-electric aircraft to enable sustainable regional air travel.
- As the Staff Propulsion Controls & Software Engineer, you will be responsible for the controls, embedded software, and simulation infrastructure supporting our SiC-based propulsion power electronics for both the Laila (UAV) and Alta (Hybrid-electric VTOL) programs.
- This role focuses on controls and software development.
- You will be tasked with designing and tuning algorithms for our motor drives, active rectifiers, and DC/DC converters, as well as the hybrid system controller that coordinates these components.
- The design of power electronics hardware will remain with peer engineers; your responsibility is to ensure their systems achieve optimal performance.
- Responsibilities include managing mode transitions, startup and shutdown sequencing, and powertrain-level fault arbitration.