Electrical Engineering Manager

Job Description

Job DescriptionPivotal 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 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.
As we scale our product line from ultralight to utility-class aircraft, we are seeking an experienced Electrical Engineering Manager to lead our growing team across compute, power, sensing, and propulsion electronics. This role is pivotal to thedesign and execution of the electrical architecture that powers, propels, andconnects every part of our aircraft. The Electrical Engineering Manager will lead the design, analysis, and integration of all aircraft electrical systems—from energy storage and distribution to compute and control electronics. You will guide a multidisciplinary team responsible for flight computers, power conversion, motor controllers, sensor networks, communication buses, and battery management systems. This role requires deep technical expertise in electrical system design, proficiency in tools such as Altium Designer and LTspice, and strong leadership across the full product lifecycle—from concept and prototyping through DFM, pilot build, and production. You’ll collaborate closely with Systems, Firmware, and Mechanical Engineering teams to deliver reliable, lightweight, certifiable electronics that meet aerospace standards. Responsibilities

• Lead the Electrical Engineering team developing all compute, power, and sensor subsystems for Pivotal’s aircraft.
• Define and own aircraft electrical and power architecture, including power distribution, communications buses, grounding strategy, and EMI/EMC compliance.
• Oversee design and verification of high-reliability PCBA assemblies including flight computers, BMS, ESC/motor controllers, power converters, and sensor interfaces.
• Manage schematic capture and PCB layout in Altium Designer, enforcing design standards, library management, and design reviews.
• Guide simulation and analysis of circuits and power systems using LTspice, MATLAB, or equivalent tools to ensure stability, efficiency, and thermal performance.
• Coordinate with prototype fabrication houses and CMs for PCB manufacturing, assembly, and DFM/DFT feedback.
• Collaborate with Firmware and Systems Engineering on compute and sensor integration, ensuring clean interfaces, signal integrity, and deterministic data paths.
• Drive validation of all electrical systems through bench testing, HIL, and system integration in aircraft prototypes.
• Establish and enforce electrical design and verification processes compliant with AS9100D and aerospace standards.
• Develop and mentor engineers, providing technical leadership, design reviews, and professional growth guidance.
• Manage supplier relationships for key electrical components, including connectors, harnesses, converters, and sensors.
• Support powertrain and energy system testing, including motor controller, inverter, and BMS characterization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in electrical design and integration of complex embedded or aerospace systems.
• Proven experience leading teams designing compute, power, or motor-control electronics in EV, eVTOL, UAV, or automotive applications.
• Strong proficiency in Altium Designer and LTspice (or equivalent circuit simulation tools).
• Deep understanding of power electronics, analog/digital mixed-signal design, and distributed communication architectures (CAN, RS-485, Ethernet, SPI, I2C).
• Hands-on experience with motor controllers, BMS, and power distribution units.
• Knowledge of EMI/EMC, grounding, and shielding techniques for high- voltage/high-current systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage prototype builds, PCB layout contractors, and manufacturing vendors.
• Excellent documentation, test planning, and cross-disciplinary communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aviation, eVTOL, UAV, or high-reliability embedded systems.
• Familiarity with AS9100D, DO-160G, and RTCA/DO-254 design assurance processes.
• Experience developing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) or system test setups.
• Exposure to high-voltage battery systems (up to 800 V) and thermal management design.
• Experience with 3Dx/ENOVIA, Epicor ERP, and structured configuration management.
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering or Power Electronics

Attributes aligned with Core Values

• Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily operations, identifying and mitigating risks through assessments and training, encouraging open dialogue on safety concerns, and continuously improving protocols to ensure a safe work environment.
• Puts customers at the center of every action by deeply understanding their challenges, delivering exceptional value, and striving to exceed expectations to support their success as our core purpose.
• Actively seeks and values diverse stakeholder perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication—committing to shared decisions for the greater good.
• Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes while aligning actions with a clear understanding of success at every level.
• Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical best practices to overcome obstacles and drive progress.
• Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support—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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.