Manager, Configuration Management

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 Role

The Manager, Configuration Management builds and leads Pivotal’s configuration management (CM) function. This role owns the company’s configuration management plan, serves as a key stakeholder on the Change Control Board (CCB), and is accountable for accurate, traceable product configuration for all Pivotal aircraft, hardware, and software, from initial design release through production, delivery, and in-service support.

This individual will lead a team of configuration specialists and engineers, set CM policy and governance in 3DEXPERIENCE (PLM) and Epicor (ERP), and partner with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and customer support leaders to scale change control as Pivotal grows production and works toward certification. The role is critical to product integrity, certification traceability, and audit readiness.

Responsibilities

Build, lead, and develop the Configuration Management team, including hiring, setting priorities, coaching, and performance management for configuration specialists and engineers.

Own Pivotal’s Configuration Management Plan and CM policies and procedures, aligned with EIA-649C, AS9100D, and ISO 9001.

Serve as a key stakeholder on the Change Control Board; set change classification and escalation criteria, ensure the team runs the board effectively, and ensure timely review, disposition, and execution of Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), and Change Actions (CAs).

Facilitate Change Control Board meetings as backup when the team is unavailable.

Define, establish, and control product configuration baselines for aircraft, subsystems, accessories, and software releases.

Own CM governance in 3DEXPERIENCE (ENOVIA), including lifecycle states, release workflows, and part and document numbering, and ensure integrity of BOM and part data synchronization with Epicor ERP in partnership with PLM administration and IT.

Establish effectivity, variant and option management, and serial and lot traceability across as-designed, as-built, and as-maintained configurations.

Run configuration status accounting; define and report metrics such as change cycle time, backlog, and aging to engineering and operations leadership.

Lead configuration audits and verification of as-built against as-designed; support internal, customer, AS9100, ISO 9001, and regulatory audits and own resulting corrective actions.

Extend configuration control to software and firmware releases in partnership with Software and Firmware Engineering.

Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Customer Success on deviations, waivers, and post-delivery and field configuration changes.

Drive continuous improvement in CM maturity and cross-functional adoption through training, templates, checklists, and workflow automation.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field.

10+ years of experience in configuration management, change control, or PLM administration within aerospace, defense, automotive, or other regulated industries, including 3+ years leading people or teams.

Hands-on experience running Change Control Board meetings and owning an end-to-end change management process.

Deep hands-on experience with PLM and ERP systems (preferably 3DEXPERIENCE ENOVIA and Epicor) and with CAD assembly and part structures.

Strong understanding of multi-level configured BOMs, effectivity, genealogy, and serial and lot number traceability.

Working knowledge of EIA-649C, AS9100D, ISO 9001, or similar standards.

Ability to influence and align senior cross-functional stakeholders; excellent communication, facilitation, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing configuration control for FAA-certified aircraft or programs in certification, including familiarity with major/minor design change classification.
• 4+ years using the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform, especially ENOVIA governance applications.
• Experience with software configuration management for software-defined vehicles or airborne software.
• Experience standing up or scaling a CM function in a growth-stage company.
• Experience supporting or leading CCB activities at a Tier 1 or Tier 2 aerospace or defense supplier.
• CMII or other configuration management certification.
• Background in eVTOL, aerospace propulsion systems, defense, or regulated mobility products.

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 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.