Senior Flight Test Engineer at Pivotal
Palo Alto, California, USA -
Full Time


Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

04 Sep, 25

Salary

155000.0

Posted On

05 Jun, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

No

Skills

Arp, Training, Risk Analysis, Matlab, Aerospace, Completion, Interpersonal Skills, Aviation, Coding Experience, Professional Development, Aircraft Systems, Data Analysis

Industry

Information Technology/IT

Description

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.
You are responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing flight test activities to validate the performance, handling qualities, and safety of our UAS and crewed eVTOL aircraft. This includes developing detailed test plans and procedures, supporting ground and flight tests, and analyzing results to ensure accurate data capture and reporting. You work cross-functionally with engineering, flight operations, and certification teams to ensure all testing aligns with program milestones and regulatory requirements. A strong focus on safety, technical excellence, and continuous improvement is essential in this role as we progress toward certification and commercial operation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Passion for aviation and flight testing
  • B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Mechatronics Engineering
  • 5+ years of flight testing experience with new and novel aircraft designs, configurations, and equipment
  • Proven experience leading all aspects of flight testing projects from inception to completion
  • Strong understanding of envelope expansion testing methods, flight test hazard and risk analysis, flight test engineering professional development, flight test telemetry methods and procedures.
  • Strong understanding of Flight Testing and Aerospace Engineering fundamentals,
  • Experience using rigorous scientific methods for testing and troubleshooting aircraft systems
  • Proficient with flight test data analysis and flight test documentation
  • Able to write technical flight testing documents in a clear and concise manner
  • Proficient with solid-modeling CAD software (preferably CATIA) and 2D documentation
  • Ability to travel to local test sites to support flight testing
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with colleagues

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Long course (or equivalent) training from an SETP recognized test pilot school
  • Experience with aircraft certification flight testing
  • Experience with aircraft development for DoDFAA Part 107 certificateFAA private or commercial pilot certificateClass II or III FAA medical certificate
  • Flight Test DER or ODA unit memberFamiliarity with electric propulsion batteries, motors, motor controllers
  • Programming and coding experience (Matlab and/or Python)Advanced Google Sheet or MS Excel skills
  • Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C and ARP 4754
Responsibilities
  • Become a flight test leader and technical subject matter expert in novel eVTOL aircraft.
  • Lead, coach and mentor Pivotal’s flight test efforts based on established experience and expertise.
  • Immerse yourself in the design, test, operation, and maintenance of our aircraft
  • Develop expertise with the technical aspects our aircraft systems and subsystems
  • Strategize and collaborate planning between the flight test and engineering teams to develop and execute UAS and crewed flight testing.
  • Some travel required.
  • Analyze performance of aircraft electronics and other components for operational and reliability issues
  • Troubleshoot and perform repairs and upgrades
  • Suggest and/or implement design and process improvements
  • Compile and document findings, results of tests, quality or safety concernsKeep aircraft fleet flight-ready
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