Senior Systems Integration & Test Engineer - Power, Propulsion, and Hardware
Palo Alto, CA
Engineering – General Engineering /
Full-time (Exempt) /
On-site
Pivotal is the leader in the emerging market of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. We design, develop, and manufacture light eVTOL aircraft and are renowned for the BlackFly, the first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market.
Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal vehicles are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been in development, preparing to enter the market for over 10 years. We recently announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, planned for general release and scalable production in 2025.
Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of technology investment today. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. We invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.
Pivotal is building the next generation of personal aviation with a focus on safety, simplicity, and manufacturability. Our production eVTOL aircraft are designed for everyday users and real-world operations. As we scale into production and commercial delivery, we are seeking a Systems Integration & Test Engineer to join our team and lead the integration, validation, and verification of powertrain and propulsion hardware.
As a Senior Systems Integration & Test Engineer focused on Power, Propulsion, and Hardware, you will be responsible for ensuring subsystems and systems are rigorously tested and validated across the full product lifecycle—from development and integration through production and field support. You will collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, software, and flight test teams to define and execute test plans, develop supporting infrastructure, and drive system maturity for our eVTOL platform.
Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, execution, and documentation of integration and test campaigns for propulsion, energy storage, power distribution, and electromechanical systems.
- Develop and maintain detailed test plans, procedures, requirements traceability, and verification reports for developmental, qualification, and production phases.
- Build and commission test setups including dynamometers, load simulators, high-voltage test benches, thermal rigs, and custom diagnostics tools.
- Coordinate hardware and system-level integration of battery packs, inverters, motors, ESCs, wiring harnesses, and other key propulsion/power components.
- Define and implement Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and system-level test strategies to validate functional and safety-critical behaviors.
- Lead test execution with technicians and cross-functional engineers; monitor real-time data, debug issues, and escalate findings.
- Drive root-cause investigations in conjunction with design and reliability teams.
- Author detailed test reports, including non-conformance tracking and resolution documentation.
- Collaborate with systems engineering and certification leads to align test strategy with ARP4754A, DO-160, and FAA Part 23/Part 21 requirements.
- Contribute to configuration control and traceability of test articles and instrumentation.
- Support the development of automated test workflows, data pipelines, and dashboards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering.
- 5+ years of experience in system or subsystem-level test and integration, preferably in aerospace, automotive, or eVTOL industries.
- Hands-on experience with high-voltage hardware, motor drives, propulsion systems, or battery test setups.
- Familiarity with systems engineering processes including requirements management, verification and validation (V&V), and test documentation.
- Experience designing or operating mechanical and electrical test setups.
- Strong debugging, instrumentation, and data analysis skills.
- Excellent communication and documentation capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with FAA-certified aircraft development programs, including exposure to DO-160 or ARP4754A/4761 test planning.
- Familiarity with power electronics, thermal systems, motor control, and battery management systems (BMS).
- Experience with Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or other test automation and data analysis tools.
- Exposure to Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) platforms and real-time control systems.
- Knowledge of configuration management and digital thread tools such as JIRA, Jama, or 3DEXPERIENCE.
Attributes aligned with Core Values
- Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily operations, identifying and mitigating risks through assessments and training, encouraging open dialogue on safety concerns, and continuously improving protocols to ensure a safe work environment.Puts customers at the center of every action by deeply understanding their challenges, delivering exceptional value, and striving to exceed expectations to support their success as our core purpose.Actively seeks and values diverse stakeholder perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication—committing to shared decisions for the greater good.Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes while aligning actions with a clear understanding of success at every level.Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical best practices to overcome obstacles and drive progress.Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support—balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate.
$147,000 - $193,000 a year
Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA.
Pivotal offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401k plans.
Pivotal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pivotal does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
