Pivotal

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

3495 Deer Creek Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1316

On-site · Full-time (Exempt)

First seen by offpeak October 4, 2026

See your drive time Apply on Pivotal's site

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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