Pivotal Systems

Pivotal Systems

Senior Manager, Flight Test

Palo Alto, CA · Senior

Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 125 days ago
Data AnalysisComplianceMechanical DesignAerospace EngineeringFirewallLeadershipCommunicationCollaborationProblem SolvingMentoring

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

  • Test Deployment: Design and improve test deployment strategies, ensuring efficient execution and comprehensive reporting of results
  • Plan Design and Review: Take charge of designing and reviewing test plans for Mechanical and Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems
  • Data Analysis: Perform in-depth analysis of flight data to identify and address anomalies, root causes, and bugs
  • Plan Execution: Design and execute test plans, including helix tests and future aircraft architecture tests
  • Fleet Management: Contribute to the design of fleet management practices to ensure efficient operation of the aircraft fleet
  • Risk Assessment: Complete and manage operational risk assessments for both unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and manned flight operations
  • Tool & KPI Development: Create tools to visualize flight data and aid in root cause analysis, speeding up bug resolution processes
  • Industry Best Practices: Implement best practices from the industry to mature the flight organization and improve efficiency and safety
  • Regulatory Compliance: Manage, maintain, and ensure compliance with UAS Certificate of Authorization (COA), Special Airworthiness Certificates (SAC-EC), and other relevant certifications.
  • 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.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
  • Extensive experience in flight testing with a strong understanding of flight test methodologies and procedures
  • Experience in leadership roles, managing teams and projects effectively
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques for interpreting flight data
  • Knowledge of aviation regulations and compliance requirements for UAS operations
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to innovate and adapt in dynamic environments
  • Experience with mentoring and coaching to develop the skills of junior team members
  • Familiarity with industry standards and best practices in flight testing and aircraft development
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. Advanced degrees or certifications may be preferred
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders
  • Attributes aligned with Core Values
  • 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.

Nice to have

  • Advanced degrees or certifications may be preferred

Company info

  • Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been flying for over 10 years.

This listing is sourced directly from Pivotal Systems's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.