Sr. Propulsion Controls & Simulation Engineer
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. Our flagship aircraft Alta enables travelers to skip the big-airport hassle by using city helipads and local airports to connect cities less than 1,000 miles apart (approx 40% of flights). And on average cut CO2 by 76% on tens of billions of flight miles globally.
To get there, we start with our UAV called Laila for commercial logistics, medical transport, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and defense missions. We’re deploying aircraft with launch partners (Fiji Airways, Honeywell, Aramex, US Navy) beginning in late 2025 and already have firm orders for aircraft under contract.
We’re a team of expert engineers from deep tech and aerospace that focus on fast iterations loops (completed transition flight faster than our peers) combined with mastery of the aircraft certification process. 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.
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.
Requirements
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 Qualifications
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.