The Role
Leads planning, coordination, execution, and analysis of flight testing for UAS and crewed eVTOL aircraft. Develops test plans, evaluates performance and safety, troubleshoots aircraft systems, documents findings, supports certification, maintains flight readiness, and collaborates with engineering, flight operations, and regulatory teams. The role also includes mentoring flight test personnel and potential training as a BlackFly pilot.
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.
As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Pivotal, you will be 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.
Role 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 concerns
- Keep aircraft fleet flight-ready.
- This position includes the opportunity to train to become a BlackFly pilot through our BlackFly training program.
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 DoD
- FAA Part 107 certificate
- FAA private or commercial pilot certificate
- Class II or III FAA medical certificate
- Flight Test DER or ODA unit member
- Familiarity 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
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 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
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Mechatronics Engineering
- 5+ years of flight testing experience with new and novel aircraft designs, configurations, and equipment
- Experience leading flight testing projects from inception through completion
- Understanding of envelope expansion testing, hazard and risk analysis, telemetry methods, and flight test engineering practices
- Strong understanding of flight testing and aerospace engineering fundamentals
- Experience applying rigorous scientific methods to test and troubleshoot aircraft systems
- Proficiency with flight test data analysis and documentation
- Ability to write clear and concise technical flight testing documents
- Proficiency with solid-modeling CAD software, preferably CATIA, and 2D documentation
- Ability to travel to local test sites to support flight testing
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Long-course or equivalent training from an SETP-recognized test pilot school
- Aircraft certification flight testing experience
- Aircraft development experience for the Department of Defense
- FAA Part 107 certificate
- FAA private or commercial pilot certificate
- Class II or III FAA medical certificate
- Flight Test DER or ODA unit member experience
- Familiarity with electric propulsion batteries, motors, and motor controllers
- Programming and coding experience with MATLAB and/or Python
- Advanced Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel skills
- Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C and ARP 4754
- Eligibility for employment in the United States
- Willingness to work onsite in Palo Alto, California
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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.
