Senior Battery Simulation & Validation 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.

• Lead the development and execution of 1D/3D thermal and fluid simulations for battery systems to optimize performance, safety, and thermal management for eVTOL applications
• Conduct comprehensive electrical and thermal propagation tests and simulations to validate the performance and ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations (e.g., UN38.3, DO-160)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and validate gas vent flow paths, busbar configurations, and insulation materials, ensuring optimal thermal and electrical performance
• Design and execute experiments to validate thermal and fluid models and heating/cooling system designs, including creating test fixtures and experimental setups
• Perform thermal and structural analyses for battery components, including cooling plates, spacers, and busbars, using tools like STAR-CCM , ANSYS, and CAD software (e.g. CATIA, 3DX)
• Analyze and refine designs based on data from thermal, mechanical, and safety tests, ensuring alignment with system requirements and performance targets
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team’s knowledge base by sharing best practices and innovative solutions for battery system simulation and validation
• Maintain and manage lab equipment for thermal, electrical, and mechanical testing, including cell and pack cyclers, thermal chambers, and coolant suppliers, ensuring accurate and reliable test results

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 7 years of hands-on experience in battery system simulation, validation, and thermal system design in the EV or aerospace industries
• Expertise in thermal simulation tools like STAR-CCM or ANSYS, with proven experience in correlating simulation results with experimental data
• Deep knowledge of lithium-ion battery behavior, including thermal runaway, cooling/heating requirements, and fast-charging dynamics
• Proficiency in CAD software such as CATIA and 3DX for designing battery components and cooling/heating systems
• Strong understanding of industry standards and regulatory requirements for battery systems (UN38.3, DO-160)
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a proven ability to address complex technical challenges through simulation and validation
• Effective communication skills, capable of preparing detailed technical documentation and presenting findings to stakeholders

• Experience with eVTOL or other electric aircraft
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to batteries in aerospace (e.g., FAA, EASA)
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent field

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 : $75,000 - $187,500