The Senior Firmware Engineer will design and implement avionics firmware, oversee architecture, ensure compliance with DO178-C, conduct trade studies, and collaborate on safety requirements for eVTOL aircraft.
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.
As part of the Embedded Software Engineering team, you will drive the development and maintenance of the manufacturing test systems used for our eVTOL aircraft.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement full avionics embedded firmware.
- Oversee firmware architecture for all avionics.
- Ensure development can conform to DO178-C
- Oversee and conduct trade studies between different design considerations
- Design and recommend sensor interfaces
- Implement code and V&V
- Collaborate with the systems engineering and other engineering specialty teams to define requirements related to the eVTOL aircraft and systems safety
Qualifications
- Undergraduate or graduate degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering
- 5+ years of professional engineering experience
- Experience with DO178-C regulatory Process
- One or more products from concept to aircraft production.
- Extensive experience with low level interfaces e.g., SPI, I2C, CAN FD, and UARTs
- Experience writing firmware (C/C++) for MCUs in embedded systems
- Experience writing python scripts and python development
- Experience reading circuit schematics with schematic capture tools
- Proficient at troubleshooting circuits with appropriate lab tools
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of relevant experience with embedded development
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science or Engineering.
- Experience with statistical analysis
- Experience taking at least one product through the entire development process
Familiarity/ experience with one or more of the following
- FAA Aircraft Certification Process
- Defense Airworthiness Process for Software
- Prototype and medium volume manufacturing
- BLDC Motor Controller integration/testing
- Lithium-based battery testing/monitoring
- Interest in RC planes, quadcopters, or aviation
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.
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