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, the first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market.

Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal vehicles are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been in development, preparing to enter the market for over 10 years. We recently announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, planned for general release and scalable production in January 2024.

Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of technology investment today. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. We invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.

The Aeromechanical team at Pivotal is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Aeromechanical Engineer to join our team. In this position you will serve as the subject matter expert for all composite FEA and will be responsible for the design, development and optimization of our aircrafts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and testing of battery systems and components for electric vehicles, focusing on structural integrity and thermal management.
• Conduct Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on battery enclosures and related components to ensure performance, safety, and reliability under various operating conditions.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to interdisciplinary teams, including junior engineers and technicians, regarding battery system design, integration, and optimization.
• Develop and maintain detailed design documentation for battery enclosures, mounting systems, and thermal management solutions, adhering to industry standards and regulations.
• Collaborate closely with electrical, thermal, and vehicle integration teams to ensure seamless integration of battery systems into electric vehicles, meeting product requirements and performance targets.
• Conduct testing and validation of battery mechanical systems, including environmental testing, durability testing, and crashworthiness testing, both in laboratory settings and on test vehicles.
• Participate in the development of test plans and procedures, including defining test criteria, instrumentation requirements, and data analysis methodologies.
• Identify and resolve technical issues and risks related to battery mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and integration, working proactively to mitigate potential issues and ensure product reliability and safety.

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of hands-on experience in mechanical design and development, with a preference for candidates who have worked in the aerospace or aviation industry.
• In-depth understanding of mechanical design principles and proficiency in various manufacturing processes relevant to electric vehicle battery systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software, such as CATIA, and experience in utilizing FEA tools, preferably ABAQUS/3DX, for structural analysis and optimization.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical abilities, with a track record of effectively resolving complex engineering challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, enabling clear articulation of ideas, technical concepts, and project updates to team members and stakeholders.
• Strong leadership capabilities, including the capacity to lead projects, manage teams, and mentor junior engineers in achieving project objectives and professional development goals.

• Experience with eVTOL or other electric aircraft
• Experience with external lab testing for electronics and moving assemblies
• Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent field

• Passion for aviation and technology
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Willingness to take on challenging projects and push boundaries
• Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment

• The salary range for this role is reflected in Pivotal's Pay Structure - Pay Bands (PB) 13-15.

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.