Senior Flight Testing Engineer
Palo Alto, CA
Flight Testing /
Full-time /
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 January 2024.
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.
We are a fast-growing company with a single lofty goal: to bring personal aviation to the general public. Innovating at the leading edge of electric aviation technology, we have developed BlackFly, the world’s first ultralight all-electric fixed-wing VTOL personal aircraft. Join us in ushering in a new age of aviation.
We are seeking someone with a passion for innovation and technology, who possesses experience with mechanical manufacturing and electromechanical design.
Responsibilities
- Become immersed in the design, operation, and maintenance of our aircraft
- Develop hands-on experience with aircraft subsystems
- Mentor and train other flight test personnel on industry practices and company
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Strategize with team to develop test plans and coordinate logistics
- Lead UAV and human flight testing with Flight Testing Team (some travel may be required)
- Analyze aircraft electronics and other components for operational and reliability issues
- Troubleshoot and perform repairs and upgrades
- Suggest and/or implement design and process improvements, help to scale operations to meet roadmap requirements
- Define procedures and processes for documenting findings, results of tests, quality or safety concerns
- Keep aircraft fleet, team and test sites flight-ready
Qualifications
- 4+ years experience as an engineering position
- B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Mechatronics Engineering
- Strong understanding of Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering fundamentals, especially mechanical design, robotics, mechatronics, dynamics, and control systems
- Proficient with solid-modeling CAD software (preferably 3DX) and 2D documentation
- Demonstrated hands-on experience through student teams, class, co-op, and/or personal projects
- Proven ability to lead teams and manage tasks to successful completion in challenging cross functional environments with safety as a primary focus
- Experience using rigorous scientific methods for testing and troubleshooting
- Comfortable managing and manipulating data and documentation
- Able to write in a clear and concise manner
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with electronics, batteries, motors, sensors and composites used in UAVs
- Advanced Google Sheet or MS Excel skills
- Interest in RC planes, quadcopters, or aviation
Personal Attributes
- Thrive in a fast-moving, stimulating, and collaborative team environment
- Resourceful, curious, never satisfied with the status quo
- Strong work ethic, organized, detail-oriented, and able to multitask
- Always thinking about how to increase efficiency and improve processes
- Proactive about solving problems and suggesting solutions
- Strong work ethic and detail-orientedLove for learning and being challenged
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.
