Pivotal Systems
Motor Controls Engineer II - R&D
Palo Alto, CA · Mid · Internship
Sponsorship not specified$132k-$155kDetected 978 days ago
C++MATLABAlgorithmsData AnalysisRoboticsPower ElectronicsControlsSimulinkFirewallCommunicationProblem Solving
About the role
- Pivotal is the leader in the emerging market of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
- Last year we announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, which is rapidly progressing toward general release and scalable production in 2026.
- Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of modern technology investments.
Responsibilities
- Develop and tune torque, speed, and current control algorithms (e.g., Field-Oriented Control, Direct Torque Control) using MATLAB/Simulink, and C/C++.
- Support selection of control architecture, sensing approach, and inverter strategies based on system performance needs.
- Collaborate with electrical, firmware, and mechanical engineers to ensure controller integration with hardware and overall propulsion system performance.
- Perform bench, dynamometer, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to validate control algorithms.
- Design, implement and validate propulsion system failure detection algorithms.
- Document design methods, test procedures, and results.
- 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.
- Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal aircraft are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications.
- Pivotal is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Motor Controls Engineer to help develop, implement, and validate control algorithms for electric motors used on our eVTOL aircraft.
Requirements
- 3+ years of experience in electric motor control, power electronics, or embedded control systems
- Prior experience with flux estimation methods, 3-phase power control, analytical control system theory development and analysis.
- Knowledge of Field-Oriented Control, flux estimation, PWM techniques, and motor parameter identification.
- Experience with various PWM schemes such as space vector, discontinuous, and sinusoidal modulation, including data-acquisition methods.
- Experience testing and debugging embedded control systems in lab or dynamometer environments.
- Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++ for algorithm development and embedded deployment.
- Knowledge of relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative start-up environment
- If you are ready for adventure, we invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.
- The ideal candidate will have a strong background in motor control algorithm development and motor controller software architecture along with professional automotive, industrial robotics or aviation experience.
- Masters or PhD in related engineering discipline (Aerospace, Mechanical, etc)
- Proven experience in designing and developing productized motor controls.
- In-depth understanding of torque control techniques such as slip-based control, field oriented control, direct torque control.
- System-oriented understanding of thermal, system-level torque and velocity control, voltage DC-link integration, efficiency optimization, and firmware integration for electric drives.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to system-level performance.
- Hands-on experience through employment, student teams, co-op, and/or personal projects
Nice to have
- Attributes aligned with Core Values
- Pivotal is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
- All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Compensation
- $132k-$155k
Company info
- Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been flying for over 10 years.
Apply directly at Pivotal Systems →Create a free account for alerts like thisView Pivotal Systems immigration profile
This listing is sourced directly from Pivotal Systems's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.