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 2025.
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 we scale our product line from ultralight to utility-classaircraft, we are seekingan experienced Electrical Engineering Manager to lead our growing team acrosscompute, power, sensing, and propulsion electronics. This role is pivotal tothedesignand execution of the electrical architecture that powers, propels,andconnectsevery part of ouraircraft.
The Electrical Engineering Manager will lead the design, analysis, and integrationof allaircraftelectrical systems—from energy storage and distribution to computeand control electronics. You will guide a multidisciplinary team responsible for flight computers, power conversion, motor controllers, sensor networks, communication buses, and battery management systems.
This role requires deep technicalexpertisein electrical system design,proficiencyin tools such as Altium Designer andLTspice, and strong leadership across the fullproduct lifecycle—from concept and prototyping through DFM, pilot build, andproduction.You’llcollaborate closely with Systems, Firmware, and MechanicalEngineering teams to deliver reliable, lightweight, certifiable electronics that meetaerospacestandards.
Responsibilities Lead the Electrical Engineering team developing all compute, power, and sensorsubsystems forPivotal’saircraft.Define and ownaircraftelectrical and power architecture, including powerdistribution, communications buses, grounding strategy, and EMI/EMCcompliance.Oversee design and verification of high-reliability PCBA assemblies including flight computers, BMS, ESC/motor controllers, power converters, and sensorinterfaces.Manage schematic capture and PCB layout in Altium Designer, enforcing designstandards, library management, and design reviews.Guidesimulation and analysis of circuits and power systems usingLTspice,MATLAB, or equivalent tools to ensure stability, efficiency, and thermal performance.Coordinate with prototype fabrication houses and CMs for PCB manufacturing, assembly, and DFM/DFT feedback.Collaborate with Firmware and Systems Engineering on compute and sensor integration, ensuring clean interfaces, signal integrity, and deterministic data paths.Drive validation of all electrical systems through bench testing, HIL, and systemintegrationinaircraftprototypes.Establish and enforce electrical design and verification processes compliant withAS9100D and aerospace standards.Develop and mentor engineers, providing technical leadership, design reviews, andprofessionalgrowth guidance.Manage supplier relationships for key electrical components, including connectors,harnesses, converters, and sensors.Support powertrain and energy system testing, including motorcontroller,inverter, and BMS characterization. Qualifications Bachelor’s orMaster’s degree in Electrical Engineeringor related field.8+ years of experience in electrical design and integration of complex embedded oraerospace systems.Proven experience leading teams designingcompute, power, or motor-control electronics in EV, eVTOL, UAV, or automotive applications.Strongproficiencyin Altium Designer andLTspice(or equivalent circuit simulation tools).Deep understanding of power electronics, analog/digital mixed-signal design, and distributed communication architectures (CAN, RS-485, Ethernet, SPI, I2C).Hands-on experience with motor controllers, BMS, and power distribution units.Knowledge of EMI/EMC, grounding, and shielding techniques for high- voltage/high-current systems.Demonstrated ability to manage prototype builds, PCB layout contractors, and manufacturingvendors.Excellent documentation, test planning, and cross-disciplinary communicationskills. Preferred Qualifications Experience in aviation, eVTOL, UAV, orhigh-reliabilityembedded systems.Familiarity with AS9100D, DO-160G, and RTCA/DO-254 design assurance processes.Experience developing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) or system test setups.Exposure to high-voltage battery systems (up to 800 V) and thermal management design.Experience with 3Dx/ENOVIA, Epicor ERP, and structured configuration management.Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering or Power Electronics Attributes aligned with Core Values Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily operations,identifyingand mitigating risks through assessments and training, encouraging open dialogue on safety concerns, and continuously improving protocols to ensure a safe work environment.Puts customers at the center of every action by deeply understanding their challenges, delivering exceptional value, and striving to exceed expectations to support their success as our core purpose.Activelyseeksand values diverse stakeholder perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication—committing toshared decisions for the greater good.Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes while aligning actions with a clear understanding of success at every level.Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical best practices to overcome obstacles and drive progress.Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support—balancinghigh expectationswith a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate. Additional Information 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.
