Senior Manager, Flight Test

Pivotal•Palo Alto, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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 early 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. Advanced degrees or certifications may be preferred
Extensive experience in flight testing with a strong understanding of flight test methodologies and procedures
Experience in leadership roles, managing teams and projects effectively
Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques for interpreting flight data
Knowledge of aviation regulations and compliance requirements for UAS operations
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to innovate and adapt in dynamic environments
Experience with mentoring and coaching to develop the skills of junior team members
Familiarity with industry standards and best practices in flight testing and aircraft development
Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA.

Responsibilities

Team Leadership: Oversee the flight test team, which includes operations and engineering personnel
Test Deployment: Design and improve test deployment strategies, ensuring efficient execution and comprehensive reporting of results
Plan Design and Review: Take charge of designing and reviewing test plans for Mechanical and Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems
Data Analysis: Perform in-depth analysis of flight data to identify and address anomalies, root causes, and bugs
Plan Execution: Design and execute test plans, including helix tests and future aircraft architecture tests
Fleet Management: Contribute to the design of fleet management practices to ensure efficient operation of the aircraft fleet
Risk Assessment: Complete and manage operational risk assessments for both unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and manned flight operations
Tool & KPI Development: Create tools to visualize flight data and aid in root cause analysis, speeding up bug resolution processes
Flight Testing: Conduct flight and handling qualities testing of experimental hardware and software configurations, potentially serving as a crewed test pilot
Mentorship: Mentor other engineers and flight crew members, sharing expertise and best practices
Industry Best Practices: Implement best practices from the industry to mature the flight organization and improve efficiency and safety
Regulatory Compliance: Manage, maintain, and ensure compliance with UAS Certificate of Authorization (COA), Special Airworthiness Certificates (SAC-EC), and other relevant certifications.