Senior Software Test Engineer (contract)

Job Description

Job Description

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.

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.

About the job

As part of the Electrical Engineering team, you will drive the development and maintenance of the manufacturing test systems used for Blackfly’s avionics.

Responsibilities

• Develop automated, scalable test frameworks that can be used to quickly develop and deploy tests for new electronic assemblies
• Create efficient, scalable production testing solutions for our electronic assemblies in a medium size manufacturing environment (100-1000s units)
• Brainstorm and implement improvements to our manufacturing test environment for efficiency, reliability, and ease of use
• Work cross-functionally with design and manufacturing teams to resolve manufacturability issues in production
• Review existing designs and develop innovative solutions to new problems

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering
• Experience writing firmware (C/C++) for MCUs in embedded systems
• Experience writing python scripts and python development
• Experience reading circuit schematics with schematic capture tools
• Proficient at troubleshooting circuits with appropriate lab tools

Bonus Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience with embedded development
• Experience with statistical analysis
• Experience taking at least one product through the entire development process

Familiarity/experience with one or more of the following:

• Prototype and medium volume manufacturing
• BLDC Motor Controller integration/testing
• Lithium-based battery testing/monitoringInterest in RC planes, quadcopters, or aviation

Personal Attributes

• Resourceful, curious, and never satisfied with the status quo
• Always thinking about how to make things more efficient
• Thrive in a fast-moving, stimulating, and supportive team environment
• Strong work ethic and detail-oriented
• Love learning and being challenged

Applicants 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.