{"id":3892702,"url":"https://alion.io/job/pivotal-senior-flight-test-engineer","title":"Senior Flight Test Engineer","company":{"id":35040,"name":"Pivotal","domain":"pivotal.aero","url":"https://alion.io/company/pivotal-aero","size_band":null,"is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Lever","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":93,"open_postings":15,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.067,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":107,"computed_at":"2026-11-09T06:03:00Z"}},"role":"Aerospace","role_family":"Aerospace","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Palo Alto, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":135000,"max":170000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":170000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"CATIA","optional":false},{"name":"MATLAB","optional":true},{"name":"Microsoft Excel","optional":true},{"name":"Python","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-11-06T00:36:36Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-11-06","last_verified_at":"2026-11-09T03:44:39Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":3,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":3},"description":"As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Pivotal, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing flight test activities to validate the performance, handling qualities, and safety of our UAS and crewed eVTOL aircraft. This includes developing detailed test plans and procedures, supporting ground and flight tests, and analyzing results to ensure accurate data capture and reporting. You work cross-functionally with engineering, flight operations, and certification teams to ensure all testing aligns with program milestones and regulatory requirements. A strong focus on safety, technical excellence, and continuous improvement is essential in this role as we progress toward certification and commercial operation.\nRole Responsibilities\nBecome a flight test leader and technical subject matter expert in novel eVTOL aircraft.\nLead, coach and mentor Pivotal’s flight test efforts based on established experience and expertise.\nImmerse yourself in the design, test, operation, and maintenance of our aircraft\nDevelop expertise with the technical aspects our aircraft systems and subsystems\nStrategize and collaborate planning between the flight test and engineering teams to develop and execute UAS and crewed flight testing.\nSome travel required. \nAnalyze performance of aircraft electronics and other components for operational and reliability issues\nTroubleshoot and perform repairs and upgrades\nSuggest and/or implement design and process improvements\nCompile and document findings, results of tests, quality or safety concerns\nKeep aircraft fleet flight-ready.\nThis position includes the opportunity to train to become a BlackFly pilot through our BlackFly training program. \nQualifications\nPassion for aviation and flight testing\nB.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Mechatronics Engineering\n5+ years of flight testing experience with new and novel aircraft designs, configurations, and equipment\nProven experience leading all aspects of flight testing projects from inception to completion\nStrong understanding of envelope expansion testing methods, flight test hazard and risk analysis, flight test engineering professional development, flight test telemetry methods and procedures. \nStrong understanding of Flight Testing and Aerospace Engineering fundamentals,\nExperience using rigorous scientific methods for testing and troubleshooting aircraft systems\nProficient with flight test data analysis and flight test documentation\nAble to write technical flight testing documents in a clear and concise manner\nProficient with solid-modeling CAD software (preferably CATIA) and 2D documentation\nAbility to travel to local test sites to support flight testing\nExcellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with colleagues\nPreferred Qualifications\nLong course (or equivalent) training from an SETP recognized test pilot school \nExperience with aircraft certification flight testing\nExperience with aircraft development for DoD\nFAA Part 107 certificate\nFAA private or commercial pilot certificate\nClass II or III FAA medical certificate\nFlight Test DER or ODA unit member\nFamiliarity with electric propulsion batteries, motors, motor controllers\nProgramming and coding experience (Matlab and/or Python)\nAdvanced Google Sheet or MS Excel skills\nFamiliarity with FAA Order 4040.26C and ARP 4754\nAttributes aligned with Core Values\nSafety 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.\nCustomer Focus: Puts customers at the center of every action by understanding their challenges, delivering meaningful value, and supporting their success.\nWork Better Together: Seeks and values diverse perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication and commitment to shared decisions.\nBe the Pilot: Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes.\nEmbrace 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.\nRespect 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 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