Internship, Mechanical Engineering (Summer 2027)

Posted Yesterday
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Palo Alto, CA, USA
In-Office
Internship
Professional Services • Social Impact
The Role
Assist with mechanical design, CAD modeling, prototype fabrication, assembly, testing, tolerance analysis, material selection, structural evaluation, and engineering documentation for eVTOL aircraft. Collaborate with cross-functional teams during design reviews and product integration while supporting engineering changes and test-data documentation.
Summary Generated by Built In
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 aircraft the world's first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market. 
 
Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal aircraft are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been flying for over 10 years. Last year we announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, which is rapidly progressing toward general release and scalable production in 2026. 
 
Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of modern technology investments. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. If you are ready for adventure, we invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in mechanical design and 3D modeling using CAD tools (CATIA, Solidworks)
  • Support prototype fabrication, assembly, and testing
  • Perform tolerance analysis, material selection, and structural evaluations
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on design reviews and product integration
  • Document designs, test data, and engineering changes

Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters degree program, preferably Mechanical Engineering from an accredited program
  • Demonstrated project experience in your area of focus
  • Interest in eVTOL industry and personal flight
  • Ability to learn quickly and multi-task in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment
  • Strong verbal and written communication, organization, and leadership skills
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Able to work onsite in Palo Alto, CA.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Hands-on experience in motor sports and/or electric vehicles (AIAA Design, Build, Fly; Formula SAE, etc.)
  • Experience with 3D modeling (CATIA preferred) 

Attributes aligned with Core Values

  • Safety Above All: Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily work, identifying and mitigating risks, encouraging open dialogue about safety concerns, and continuously improving practices and protocols.
  • Customer Focus: Puts customers at the center of every action by understanding their challenges, delivering meaningful value, and supporting their success.
  • Work Better Together: Seeks and values diverse perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication and commitment to shared decisions.
  • Be the Pilot: Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes.
  • Embrace the Unknown: Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical approaches to overcome obstacles and drive progress.
  • Respect for People: Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support by balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate.

Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA.
 
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.

Skills Required

  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program, preferably in Mechanical Engineering, at an accredited institution
  • Demonstrated project experience in the relevant area of focus
  • Ability to learn quickly and multitask in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment
  • Strong verbal and written communication, organization, and leadership skills
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Able to work onsite in Palo Alto, California
  • Hands-on experience in motorsports or electric vehicles, including AIAA Design Build Fly or Formula SAE
  • Experience with 3D modeling, preferably CATIA
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The Company
HQ: Redmond, WA
259 Employees
Year Founded: 2001

What We Do

Pivotal, founded by Melinda French Gates, is a group of organizations dedicated to accelerating social progress for women and young people globally. Through a combination of philanthropy, strategic investments, and advocacy, the organization works to drive momentum in areas with the greatest potential for impact. By supporting leaders and innovative ideas, Pivotal aims to expand women's power and influence, ultimately fostering a more equitable and inclusive future for everyone.

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