The Role
Leads cross-functional hardware and product development projects spanning design changes, testing, release, product launches, early adopter programs, and manufacturing development. Manages schedules, budgets, risks, task ownership, and executive reviews using Jira, MS Project, Agile, Scrum, and waterfall methods. Requires engineering experience with complex electromechanical systems, project leadership, and preferably aircraft certification, system integration, manufacturing transition, and advanced Jira configuration.
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 the Technical Project Manager, you will develop, lead, maintain schedules and budgets, and manage projects related to design changes, test & release, early adopter programs, product launches, and supporting manufacturing development projects. You work seamlessly across functions and are comfortable with Scrum/Agile, as well as traditional water-fall critical-path project management. You are comfortable with a range of project management tools, including Git Lab and MS Project, and are confident presenting to technical groups and executive management alike. You are tenacious and drive accountability and leverage the collective smarts of teams to find better solutions – committed to “finding a way”. Ideally, you also bring a passion for technology, aviation, and the future of personal flight!
Responsibilities
- Develop and manage projects, leveraging in Jira / MS Project or similar enterprise project management tools, related to a range of cross-functional initiatives such as design updates, test and release, & product launch
- Carry out regular reviews and regular check-ins with task owners and leadership, ensuring to keep activities on track and quickly address new scope, schedule slips and setbacks while finding opportunities to improve time-to-market
- Be a champion for project management fundamentals and share your greatest skills with others, empowering others to take ownership
- Make sure we are having fun together creating aviation history while maintaining an uncompromising focus on safety of human flight!
Qualifications
- 5+ years experience in engineering design or test of complex electro-mechanical systems
- Background in engineering product development and three or more years of project leadership experience in the same and/or related industries
- Strong knowledge of project management fundamentals. PMI associated certification or equivalent knowledge and experience
- Strong knowledge of Jira and MS Project and use/applicability of implementation
- Experience in growth stage companies and larger, best-practice organizations
Preferred Qualifications
- Degreed engineer with hands-on design/development experience that has taken multiple system-level integrated products to manufacturing transition (inclusive of software) and market ramp and has transitioned to project management as a primary discipline
- Expert-level proficiency in Jira, including advanced configuration (workflows, schemes, automation, dashboards) to support complex, cross-functional programs
- Experience and excels in start-up environments – running New Product Introduction programs while following Pivotal program management process
- Experience in aircraft certification and verification / validation
- Optimistic and driven, always finds a way
- A lean mindset: Always thinking about how to make things more efficient
- A growth mindset: Love learning and being challenged
- Strong work ethic and detail-oriented
- Excellent interpersonal, presentation, communication, and collaboration skills
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
- 5+ years of experience in engineering design or testing of complex electromechanical systems
- Engineering product development background
- At least 3 years of project leadership experience in the same or related industries
- Strong knowledge of project management fundamentals
- PMI-associated certification or equivalent knowledge and experience
- Strong knowledge and practical experience with Jira and MS Project
- Experience in growth-stage companies and larger best-practice organizations
- Engineering degree with hands-on design and development experience
- Experience transitioning multiple system-level integrated products to manufacturing and market ramp
- Expert-level Jira proficiency, including advanced configuration, workflows, schemes, automation, and dashboards
- Experience running New Product Introduction programs in startup environments
- Experience in aircraft certification and verification or validation
- Excellent interpersonal, presentation, communication, and collaboration skills
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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.
