Autonomy Engineering Lead

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 we prepare for the release of our next-generation aircrafts we are seeking an Autonomy Technical Owner to lead the integration of a full autonomy stack onto the Helix. You will be responsible for managing the technical details of the program while collaborating with the Business Development Director to showcase our advancements to potential partners.

• Architect, develop and in concert with Pivotal Software teams, integrate the full autonomy stack for the aircraft platforms, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards and defense mission needs
• Possess or develop mastery of the 3rd party provider market landscape to identify, groom, and as required, select and partner with other entities to integrate existing modules into Pivotal’s autonomy stack to meet the totality of mission needs though licencing or similar measures
• Manage the overall program, coordinating between engineering, development, 3rd parties and business teams to align objectives
• Lead technical discussions, troubleshooting, and problem-solving related to autonomy integration
• Collaborate closely with Business Development to develop and execute business demonstrations, showcasing the autonomy capabilities of Pivotal Aircraft
• Conduct regular reviews with the project team and stakeholders to maintain alignment on project goals, timelines, and deliverables

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field
• 7 years of experience in engineering with a focus on autonomy systems in aerospace or related fields
• Proven track record of managing technical projects and programs, preferably in a leadership role
• Strong understanding of autonomy systems, including perception, decision-making, and control systems
• Familiarity with regulatory and safety standards for autonomous aircraft
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with cross-functional teams

• Proven Program Management skills
• Experience in business development or customer engagement within the aerospace sector
• Previous experience in integrating autonomy into manned or unmanned aircraft systems
• Knowledge of software development methodologies

• Innovative and resourceful, with a passion for advancing technology in aviation
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail
• Team-oriented with a focus on collaboration and empowerment
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

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.

Salary : $112,500 - $228,125