Verification Engineer

About the Role

Pivotal is pioneering the electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) sector, establishing new benchmarks for urban mobility. As we advance our portfolio, from the pioneering BlackFly to the next-generation Helix platform, we seek a Verification Engineer to ensure our aeromechanical systems meet the highest standards of safety and performance. This position is central to our engineering integrity, owning the validation that proves our designs perform as intended. You will translate abstract requirements into concrete test evidence, shaping the verification strategy for our flagship aircraft.

This is a hands-on leadership position within our Aeromechanical team. You will manage the verification lifecycle, transforming requirements into test plans, executing physical tests, and analyzing the results. Your work will directly inform design decisions and program risk management. You will operate at the critical junction of design, test execution, and regulatory validation. Your analysis will determine if a component is ready to proceed or requires redesign. This role demands intellectual rigor and meticulous attention to detail. We are building aircraft that redefine flight, and your verification work ensures these machines are ready for the real world.

The position is based in Palo Alto, California. It is a full-time, exempt role offering a competitive compensation package. You will join a company that values innovation, collaboration, and tangible results. If you are passionate about aviation and committed to engineering excellence, this is your opportunity to contribute to a transformative technology.

Key Responsibilities

You will own the complete verification strategy for aeromechanical components and systems. This involves creating comprehensive test plans derived directly from system requirements. You will design the test matrix to validate performance, durability, and operational envelope expansion for both BlackFly and Helix platforms.

You will manage the execution of physical test campaigns. This includes setting up test rigs, integrating data acquisition systems, and capturing measurements with precision. Your role requires strict adherence to traceability, linking every test result back to its source requirement.

You will analyze test data to identify anomalies and assess design risk. You will synthesize findings into clear reports for engineering leadership. These reports will support go/no-go decisions for hardware and design iterations. You will coordinate testing with external suppliers and cross-functional partners. Ensuring component verification aligns with overall system objectives is a core duty.

You will maintain all verification artifacts and documentation. This ensures that audits and regulatory reviews are efficient and evidence-based. Your work supports compliance activities for aviation authorities. You will partner with engineering, design, and product teams to develop repeatable test strategies. This collaboration turns evolving product goals into robust verification protocols for current and future aircraft.

Requirements

You must possess a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline. You will bring three to five years of hands-on verification experience to this role. You have a proven ability to interpret high-level requirements and convert them into specific test cases. These test cases must prove that a system behaves correctly under defined conditions and operational limits.

You are proficient in working with mechanical test apparatus, data acquisition hardware, and analysis instrumentation. You have experience conducting tests in a laboratory environment. You possess strong written and verbal communication skills. You can explain complex technical data to both engineering specialists and non-technical stakeholders. Documentation of your processes, decisions, and outcomes must be thorough and clear.

Compensation and Benefits

This role offers a base salary of $170,000. The target bonus for 2026 is structured to reward company and individual performance. The target equity for 2025 is granted as part of your total compensation package. These figures are indicative and subject to change based on final approval.

Nice to Have

Prior experience with light electric aircraft or eVTOL platforms is highly valued. Familiarity with aviation certification standards and regulated environment processes is a significant advantage. Any direct experience with the unique challenges of urban air mobility will strengthen your application.

Skills & Tools

You will utilize MATLAB for mathematical modeling and simulation. You will use Simulink for system-level design and analysis. Python scripting will be used for automation and data processing. You will manage test workflows and documentation using JIRA and Confluence. Proficiency in these tools is essential for success.

Practical Notes

Details regarding the specific application process and submission requirements are available on the official career page for this position. Please refer to that page for the most current information.