Senior Flight Test Engineer

Pivotal•Palo Alto, CA

1d•$135,000 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

Pivotal is hiring a Senior Flight Test Engineer to plan, coordinate, and execute flight-test activities that validate the performance, handling qualities, and safety of its uncrewed and crewed electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The role includes developing test plans and procedures, supporting ground and flight tests, and analyzing results to ensure accurate data capture and reporting. The engineer will work across engineering, flight operations, and certification teams to align testing with program milestones and regulatory requirements, with a strong emphasis on safety, technical excellence, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will become a flight-test leader and technical subject matter expert in novel eVTOL aircraft. They will help lead and mentor Pivotal’s flight-test efforts, develop detailed knowledge of aircraft systems, and collaborate with engineering teams to plan and execute tests. The role also involves analyzing aircraft electronics and components, troubleshooting and repairing equipment, recommending design and process improvements, documenting test findings and safety concerns, and keeping the aircraft fleet flight-ready. Some travel to local test sites is required. The position offers the opportunity to train as a BlackFly pilot through Pivotal’s training program. The position is onsite at Pivotal’s headquarters in Palo Alto, California. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. The listed salary range is $135,000–$170,000 per year. Pivotal provides medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) plans.

Requirements

Passion for aviation and flight testing.
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Mechatronics Engineering.
At least 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, and flight-test telemetry methods and procedures.
Strong understanding of flight testing and aerospace engineering fundamentals.
Experience using rigorous scientific methods to test and troubleshoot aircraft systems.
Proficiency in flight-test data analysis and flight-test documentation.
Ability to write clear and concise technical flight-testing documents.
Proficiency with solid-modeling CAD software and 2D documentation; CATIA is preferred.
Ability to travel to local test sites to support flight testing.
Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at the Palo Alto, California headquarters.

Nice To Haves

Long-course (or equivalent) training from an SETP-recognized test-pilot school.
Experience with aircraft-certification flight testing.
Experience with aircraft development 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, such as MATLAB and/or Python.
Advanced Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel skills.
Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C and ARP 4754.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and mentor Pivotal’s flight-test efforts, serving as a flight-test leader and technical subject matter expert in novel eVTOL aircraft.
Develop expertise in the design, testing, operation, maintenance, and technical systems and subsystems of Pivotal aircraft.
Collaborate with flight-test and engineering teams to plan and execute uncrewed and crewed flight testing.
Analyze aircraft electronics and other components for operational and reliability issues.
Troubleshoot equipment and perform repairs and upgrades.
Suggest or implement design and process improvements.
Compile and document test findings, results, quality concerns, and safety concerns.
Keep the aircraft fleet flight-ready.
Travel to local test sites to support flight testing as needed.