Senior Avionics Firmware Engineer

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, the first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market.

Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal vehicles are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been in development, preparing to enter the market for over 10 years. We recently announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, planned for general release and scalable production in early 2025.

Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of technology investment today. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. We invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.

About the job

As part of the Firmware Engineering team, you will drive the development and maintenance of the manufacturing test systems used for  eVTOL aircraft.

• Design and implement full avionics embedded firmware.
• Oversee firmware architecture for all avionics.
• Ensure development can conform to DO178-C
• Oversee and conduct trade studies between different design considerations
• Design and recommend sensor interfaces
• Implement code and V&V
• Collaborate with the systems engineering and other engineering specialty teams to define requirements related to the eVTOL aircraft annd systems safety

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering
• 8+ years of professional engineering experience
• Experience with DO178-C regulatory Process
• One or more products from concept to aircraft production.
• Extensive experience with low level interfaces e.g., SPI, I2C, CAN FD, and UARTs
• 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

• 10+ years of relevant experience with embedded development
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science or Engineering.
• Experience with statistical analysis
• Experience taking at least one product through the entire development process

• FAA Aircraft Certification Process
• Defenses Airworthiness Process for Software
• Prototype and medium volume manufacturing
• BLDC Motor Controller integration/testing
• Lithium-based battery testing/monitoring
• Interest in RC planes, quadcopters, or aviation

• 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.