Staff Electro-Mechanical Engineer

About the role

Staff Electro-Mechanical Engineer: Vehicle Harness and Avionics Enclosures

Pivotal operates at the forefront of the electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft sector. The company specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of light eVTOL aircraft. Pivotal has earned recognition for the BlackFly, noted as the world's first light eVTOL to complete manned flights and enter the consumer market.

The aircraft portfolio is characterized by efficiency, a compact footprint, and mechanical simplicity. These designs target a broad spectrum of applications, including consumer transportation, public service missions, and defense requirements. The company's distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture operates on a scalable platform with a flight history spanning over a decade. This technological foundation is advancing toward the next-generation platform, the Helix, which is progressing toward general release and scalable production scheduled for 2026.

Investment in mobility represents a significant trend within modern technology sectors. Pivotal occupies a strategic position within this dynamic landscape. The company invites qualified candidates ready for challenge to join the team and contribute to its growth trajectory.

The Aeromechanical team at Pivotal is currently recruiting a Staff Electro-Mechanical Engineer to assume a critical role in the development of eVTOL aircraft. The successful candidate will serve as the primary subject matter expert for vehicle harness architecture and avionics enclosure development. This position is essential for ensuring the structural integrity and safety of physical interfaces required for flight operations.

Location and Compensation

The position is based in Palo Alto, California. The engagement is full-time and classified as Exempt. The compensation package includes a base salary of $180,000, an annual bonus of $30,000, and equity valued at $25,000 based on the 2025 fiscal year.

Key Responsibilities

The role involves defining the overall harness architecture and enclosure strategy for the operational eVTOL fleet. Decisions are initially guided by rigorous testing discipline, while manufacturing requirements influence the development of durable designs. The engineer will translate complex flight dynamics data into specific physical interfaces that maintain pilot safety throughout all operational phases.

Specific duties include the design of wiring routes and connector integration, requiring close coordination with flight test teams. The engineer will model enclosure structures and perform simulations of operational loads to guide the selection of materials suitable for demanding environmental conditions. A critical function is the establishment of intake procedures to verify supplier documentation and validate the traceability of all components.

The position requires the development of integration sequences that synchronize airframe assembly with the specific milestones for harness installation. The engineer will review validation test results and refine testing methodologies to confirm that safety margins are maintained under extreme stress conditions. Additional responsibilities include shipping preproduction articles through coordination with certification staff and operations partners.

Collaboration with certification authorities is necessary to align technical documentation and secure regulatory acceptance for the aircraft. The role also involves guiding long-term platform roadmaps by analyzing field data and serviceability feedback to inform future vehicle variants.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related technical discipline. A minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience focusing on wiring systems and enclosure development is mandatory. The candidate must possess a thorough understanding of standards applicable to aviation mobile platforms and their moving components.

The ability to read mechanical drawings and translate them into detailed installation procedures is essential. Clear communication skills are required to interface effectively with engineers, technicians, and operations personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with tilt rotor mechanisms and distributed propulsion concepts is considered a significant advantage.

Tools and Skills

Proficiency in CAD software, analysis tools, document control procedures, version control systems, and drawing standards is required for success in this role.

Practical Information

Candidates are advised to What you'll do