The Role
Lead certification strategies for eVTOL aircraft with FAA and global regulators, manage regulatory interactions, and ensure compliance throughout development.
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:
- Lead certification pathways across FAA frameworks (e.g., Part 103, Part 21, Part 23, MOSAIC, experimental and special airworthiness categories)
- Develop and maintain certification roadmaps aligned with product and business strategy
- Draft and manage applications for: Exemptions, Special Airworthiness Certificates, Waivers & COAs
- Partner closely with engineering and flight test teams to ensure compliance alignment early in design
- Serve as primary Pivotal representative to: Aeronautical Authorities including FAA (and offices including AIR, AFS, FSDOs) and as well as international civil aeronautical authorities
- Support communication with FSDOs and other regulators, including proactive outreach and issue resolution.
- Prepare briefing materials, white papers, and engagement strategies for regulators
- Support and lead regulatory meetings, early engagement sessions, and audits
- Identify and execute pathways to enter new markets internationally
- Assess regulatory environments and define certification/operational strategies for each region
- Build relationships with local regulators and industry bodies
- Enable scalable approaches (e.g., training local maintainers, operational approvals, public-use pathways)
- Stay ahead of evolving regulations (FAA MOSAIC, AAM frameworks, international equivalents)
- Drive Pivotal priorities with regulators while charting a way to actionable company regulations strategy
- Advise leadership on risks, opportunities, and timing implications
- Benchmark best practices across the industry
- Draft regulatory-facing documentation for executive review (you)
- Support development of: Operating manuals, CONOPS, Training frameworks
- Enable programs like EMS, public-use operations, and pilot deployments
Certification Strategy & Execution
Regulatory Engagement
Global Market Entry
Regulatory Intelligence & Foresight
Operational Support
Qualifications:
- 5+ years in aviation regulatory, certification, or airworthiness roles
- Deep experience with FAA certification processes (Part 21, Part 23 strongly preferred)
- Familiarity with emerging aircraft categories (eVTOL, ultralight, experimental, UAS)
- Experience engaging directly with FAA, FSDOs, DERs, or ODA units
- Strong working knowledge of international certification frameworks (Transport Canada, EASA, CAA, etc.)
- Ability to operate both strategically and tactically (write + execute)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experienced Aeronautical Engineer or Mechanical Engineer with a history of driving technical standards on ASTM or similar organizations.
- Experience with exemptions, public-use operations, or novel regulatory pathways
- Background in startups or fast-moving environments
- Network within FAA or global aviation authorities
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.
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.
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.
Skills Required
- 5+ years in aviation regulatory, certification, or airworthiness roles
- Deep experience with FAA certification processes (Part 21, Part 23 strongly preferred)
- Strong working knowledge of international certification frameworks (Transport Canada, EASA, CAA, etc.)
- Ability to operate both strategically and tactically (write + execute)
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The Company
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.
