Senior Flight Test Engineer

United States·Palo AltoFull-time (Exempt)senior

OtherQA & TestingTest EngineerFlight Test Engineer

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Quick Summary

Overview

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 aircraft the world's first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market.

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Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal aircraft are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been flying for over 10 years. Last year we announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, which is rapidly progressing toward general release and scalable production in early 2026.

Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of modern technology investments. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. If you are ready for adventure, we invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.

You are responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing flight test activities to validate the performance, handling qualities, and safety of our UAS and crewed eVTOL aircraft. This includes developing detailed test plans and procedures, supporting ground and flight tests, and analyzing results to ensure accurate data capture and reporting. You work cross-functionally with engineering, flight operations, and certification teams to ensure all testing aligns with program milestones and regulatory requirements. A strong focus on safety, technical excellence, and continuous improvement is essential in this role as we progress toward certification and commercial operation.

Become a flight test leader and technical subject matter expert in novel eVTOL aircraft.

Lead, coach and mentor Pivotal’s flight test efforts based on established experience and expertise.

Immerse yourself in the design, test, operation, and maintenance of our aircraft

Develop expertise with the technical aspects our aircraft systems and subsystems

Strategize and collaborate planning between the flight test and engineering teams to develop and execute UAS and crewed flight testing.

Some travel required.

Analyze performance of aircraft electronics and other components for operational and reliability issues

Troubleshoot and perform repairs and upgrades

Suggest and/or implement design and process improvements

Compile and document findings, results of tests, quality or safety concerns

Keep aircraft fleet flight-ready.

This position includes the opportunity to train to become a BlackFly pilot through our BlackFly training program.

Passion for aviation and flight testing

B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Mechatronics Engineering

5+ years of flight testing experience with new and novel aircraft designs, configurations, and equipment

Proven experience leading all aspects of flight testing projects from inception to completion

Strong understanding of envelope expansion testing methods, flight test hazard and risk analysis, flight test engineering professional development, flight test telemetry methods and procedures.

Strong understanding of Flight Testing and Aerospace Engineering fundamentals,

Experience using rigorous scientific methods for testing and troubleshooting aircraft systems

Proficient with flight test data analysis and flight test documentation

Able to write technical flight testing documents in a clear and concise manner

Proficient with solid-modeling CAD software (preferably CATIA) and 2D documentation

Ability to travel to local test sites to support flight testing

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with colleagues

Long course (or equivalent) training from an SETP recognized test pilot school

Experience with aircraft certification flight testing

Experience with aircraft development for DoD

FAA Part 107 certificate

FAA private or commercial pilot certificate

Class II or III FAA medical certificate

Flight Test DER or ODA unit member

Familiarity with electric propulsion batteries, motors, motor controllers

Programming and coding experience (Matlab and/or Python)

Advanced Google Sheet or MS Excel skills

Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C and ARP 4754

Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily operations, identifying and 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.

Actively seeks and values diverse stakeholder perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication—committing to shared 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—balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate.