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.

As the the Lead Powertrain Engineer, you will lead a team of 3-5 engineers and technicians that are responsible for the design, manufacturing, and testing of subsystems within the eVTOL aircraft Helix specifically around the motor and propulsion system. You will also take on technical project ownership in a lead engineer capacity. You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. We believe a wide variety of skills and backgrounds are necessary to encourage innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead propulsion team in the design and development of a small eVTOL motor and drive systems.
• Lead a group of magnetics, simulation, controls and mechanical engineering professionals, including budget planning, staffing, training, performance evaluation and career development
• Plans workload for Propulsion engineer activities
• Provides technical expertise and guidance to team to meet applicable deadlines
• Maintains a high level of customer satisfaction with both internal and external customers
• Develop and process operational policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions
• Architects a system level approach to problems across multiple technical disciplines and influencing decision-making process department procedures and processes
• Performs all aspects of vehicle design from initial concept to complete production-ready design
• Conducts informal and formal presentations
• Provides guidance, mentorship, and learning opportunities to others in both their discipline and on company culture

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is required or equivalent combination of experience and education
• Minimum of 7 years' experience in a progressive technical capacity within an engineering organization
• Demonstrated competence in Mechanical and Electro-Mechanical Engineering processes and design/analysis tools, solving Mechanics & Kinematics problems, solving Thermodynamics problems
• Experienced in successfully designing DO160 electronics products (Type Certification experience a plus)
• Demonstrated understanding of metallic, plastic and composite material properties
• Demonstrated knowledge of bearings and drivetrain components.
• Demonstrated ability to solve basic structural dynamics problems
• Proficiency in Catia V5 (or equivalent), Excel, Word and PowerPoint is required
• Demonstrated expertise of industry design and documentation standards (GD&T, ASME, Change Control, etc.)
• Experienced with designing: machined parts, composite parts, injection molded parts, sheet metal parts, wire assemblies and mechanical assemblies for low, medium and high volume manufacturing processes
• Experienced with: dyno and motor testing, mechanical, lab, field, flight, and environmental testing
• Demonstrated expertise in engineering configuration management processes

• M.S. or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is highly preferred
• Demonstrated familiarity with eVTOL and related engineering design processes is highly desirable
• Hands-on experience with moving mechanical assemblies and 3D printing is highly desirable
• Demonstrated familiarity with electro-mechanical/mechanism design, aerodynamics, “data engineering” (instrumentation/data acquisition/data analysis) is preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of analytical techniques and tools for FEA, Thermal, Aerodynamics is preferred

• Possesses the creativity and interest to invent and improve vehicle systems and motivated to make things happen
• Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills and communicates well with the intended audience
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills. Works well with others across multiple disciplines
• Exhibits strong presentation skills for formal reviews, both internally and externally
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work productsIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company

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.