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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 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.
Pivotal is seeking a highly experienced Senior Composites Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development, industrialization, and production readiness of advanced composite structures, including wings and fuselages, for next-generation aerospace vehicles. This role is key to bridging the gap between design engineering and scalable manufacturing, ensuring robust, repeatable, and cost-effective composite part production. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in both pre-preg and wet layup processes, along with strong capabilities in tooling, mold design, process validation, and production ramp-up.
Responsibilities
- Lead large composite projects for wings and fuselage structures from concept to production.
- Develop and implement efficient manufacturing processes for composite parts, with a strong focus on pre-preg and wet layup techniques.
- Design and optimize tooling and molds for composite part fabrication.
- Collaborate closely with design engineers to ensure manufacturability of composite components.
- Provide DFMA feedback on all builds to improve manufacturability and efficiency.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in composite manufacturing processes.
- Work effectively with external suppliers to oversee the production of composite parts, ensuring quality and adherence to specifications.
- Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and implement effective solutions.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence. Adhere to strict quality control standards and implement inspection procedures for composite components.
- Conduct thorough root cause analysis for manufacturing defects and implement corrective actions.
- Stay current with industry best practices and emerging technologies in composites manufacturing.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in composites manufacturing, with a proven track record of leading significant projects.
- Extensive hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of pre-preg and wet layup processes.
- Demonstrated expertise in tooling and mold design for composite parts.
- Strong understanding of composite materials characterization, properties, and testing.
- Proven experience applying a range of manufacturing techniques to large, complex composite structures. (e.g., vacuum bagging, autoclave curing, oven curing).
- Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA and 3DX Preferred) for design and analysis. Bonus: Experience with Composite Manufacturing Module in 3DX.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and a strong ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
- Experience in a fast-paced startup environment is a plus.
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.
- 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.
$125,000 - $166,000 a year
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.
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