Internship, Flight Test Engineer (Summer 2027)

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.

Responsibilities

Support the flight test team in a range of technical and administrative roles, including flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs and post-flight analysis 

Design components for the flight testing operation

Fabricate components using in-house and outsourced manufacturing including 3D printing, machine shop and CNC routering

Complete and finalize bill of materials of hardware-in-loop assemblies

Create documentation and signage for service procedures hardware-in-loop assemblies

Support service of hardware-in-loop assemblies to ensure hardware meets configuration standards

Participate and support experimental flight testing as a crew member

Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters degree program from an accredited university

Demonstrated project experience in your area of focus

Interest in eVTOL industry and personal flight

Ability to learn quickly and multi-task in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment

Strong verbal and written communication, organization, and leadership skills

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Able to work onsite in Palo Alto, CA

Attributes aligned with Core Values

Safety Above All: Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily work, identifying and mitigating risks, encouraging open dialogue about safety concerns, and continuously improving practices and protocols.

Customer Focus: Puts customers at the center of every action by understanding their challenges, delivering meaningful value, and supporting their success.

Work Better Together: Seeks and values diverse perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication and commitment to shared decisions.

Be the Pilot: Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes.

Embrace the Unknown: Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical approaches to overcome obstacles and drive progress.

Respect for People: Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support by balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate.

Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA. 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.