Apply on Employer Site

Pivotal · 5 months ago

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$135K/yr - $170K/yr

5+ years exp

Pivotal is a leader in the emerging market of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, known for their innovative designs like the BlackFly. They are seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing flight test activities to validate the performance and safety of UAS and crewed eVTOL aircraft, while working cross-functionally with various teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

AerospaceAir TransportationAutonomous VehiclesManufacturing

Work & Life Balance

H1B Sponsor Likely

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

Qualification

Flight testing experienceAerospace Engineering fundamentalsFlight test data analysisSolid-modeling CAD softwareFAA Part 107 certificateProgramming experienceSafety mindsetInterpersonal skillsTechnical writing

Required

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

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

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k plans

Company

Pivotal

Pivotal develops and builds antonymous, electric propulsion VTOL aircraft for people & cargo in consumer, defense & public safety markets

Founded in 2016

Palo Alto, California, USA

51-200 employees

https://pivotal.aero

H1B Sponsorship

Pivotal has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship

Represents job field similar to this job

Trends of Total Sponsorships

2025 (8)

2024 (6)