Staff Power Electronics Engineer

Electrical Engineering Team LeadPivotal 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.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 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.ResponsibilitiesTake ownership of multiple electronic assemblies on the aircraft throughout the design lifecycle, including development, validation, and production phasesExplore architectural changes and improvements to existing designs to optimize performance and reliabilityDevelop efficient production testing solutions for power electronics and related assembliesDesign and coordinate comprehensive design validation testing for electronic systems, sensors, and control electronicsMentor electrical engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering best practices throughout the design and development processPerform root cause analysis, implementing fixes to improve yield, performance, reliability, and manufacturability of electronic assembliesIterate on existing designs and create innovative solutions to new engineering challengesDevelop hardware and firmware for power electronics, propulsion systems, sensors, and control electronicsQualificationsUndergraduate or postgraduate degree in Electrical or Computer EngineeringMinimum of 8+ years of relevant experience in power electronics, electrical systems, or related fieldsAutomotive experience, or the equivalent in experience and evidence of exceptional abilityProficiency in designing and sizing high-voltage power architectures (300V+), including power distribution, energy storage systems, and power conversionFamiliarity with AC/DC, DC/DC, and DC/AC applications and control of variable frequency convertersStrong understanding of power electronics topologiesExperience with high voltage power semiconductor selection (Si/SiC/GaN MOSFETs, Diodes), gate drive, and protection circuit designStrong understanding of switching waveforms, semiconductor losses, and experience with loss modelingSystem understanding of device characteristics, gate driving circuit design, thermal design, topologies, modulation schemes, and control strategies in high- and low-voltage power convertersFamiliar with tools such as Altium, PLECS, PSCAD/EMTDC, MATLAB/Simulink, dSPACEExperience with advanced modulation approaches for achieving highly efficient power electronic converter designsSolid understanding of the theory and application of magnetics (inductors, transformers) and capacitors (electrolytic, film, and ceramic) used for power conversionExperience in supervision of PCB layout for minimal stray inductance and capacitance, placement strategies for better manufacturability, power/signal plane definition, and EMC optimizationProficiency with hands-on EE tools (oscilloscopes, network analyzers, signal generators, etc)In-depth knowledge of common communication protocols such as SPI, UART, and CANExperience in developing and troubleshooting high-voltage systems and components, ensuring safety and compliance with industry standardsBonus QualificationsExperience with aviation electronics standards, architectures, and processesSuccessfully taken at least one product through the entire development lifecycle, from concept to productionExperience with data analysis/aggregation using Python or MATLABFamiliarity/Experience with One or More of the Following:Low and high voltage power electronics designEMI/EMC compliance and testing processesDFMEA and reliability metrics for electronicsExperience in prototype and medium-volume manufacturingFamiliarity with GPS or UAV sensorsAttributes Aligned with Core ValuesDemonstrates 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.$180,000 - $210,000 a yearApplicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA.Pivotal offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401k plans.Pivotal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pivotal does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.