Senior/Staff Systems Modeling Engineer, Electric Propulsion
Core
Develop physics-based models for electric propulsion systems (motors, inverters, gearboxes, propellers) to architect, optimize, and validate Zipline's autonomous drone aircraft and fleet operations.
Role type
Senior/Staff Systems Modeling Engineer (Electric Propulsion)
Builds
Physics-based modeling frameworks, simulation tools, and validated models for aircraft hardware and fleet operations
Domain
Aerospace engineering, electric propulsion, autonomous logistics
Deliverable
production ML models | product features
Required skills
Physics-based modeling, heat-transfer fundamentals, lumped-parameter thermal networks, experimental characterization design, quantitative analysis, numerical methods, optimization, controls, engineering model validation
Preferred skills
Motor/inverter loss modeling, high-fidelity electromagnetic/thermal simulation (ANSYS, COMSOL), production telemetry analysis
Technologies
MATLAB, Python, Julia, Rust, ANSYS Motor-CAD, ANSYS Maxwell, JMAG, COMSOL, ANSYS Icepak
Responsibilities
Own electric-propulsion modeling roadmap and validation standards; lead trade studies for propulsion architecture and sizing; develop multi-fidelity physics-based models; design characterization campaigns for parameter identification; build modular object-oriented modeling frameworks; improve model fidelity using lab and flight data; partner with cross-functional teams to translate insights into engineering decisions
Seniority
Senior/Staff, hands-on IC with technical leadership