Embedded Software Engineer II

Pivotal; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

Pivotal, a leader in eVTOL technology, is seeking a software engineer to develop firmware for sensors, control systems, communications, and navigation. You will work on real-time software on ARM microcontrollers and Linux environments to enable advanced eVTOL capabilities.

You will improve testing automation, diagnose production issues, and assist in flight testing at local and remote sites. A BS in software/CS/CE and 2+ years of hands-on experience with C/C++, Python, and embedded systems are

Qualifications

• B.S. in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar.
• 2+ years of professional experience.
• Strong software skills (C/C++, Python) and experience with ARM microcontrollers.
• Hands-on experience through employment, student teams, and/or co-op internships.
• Experience with real-time systems, Linux development, and low level communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART).
• Familiarity with control systems, robotics, and/or sensors.

Responsibilities

• Develop software/firmware for projects related to sensors, control systems, communications, and navigation.
• Improve testing automation, software quality, data collection, analysis and validation.
• Debug issues in production, determine the root cause and apply fixes in a timely manner.
• Assist in flight testing both locally and at remote sites.

Skills

C/C++

Python

ARM microcontrollers

Education

B.S. in Software Engineering/CS/CE

Tools

Linux

CAN bus

SPI

I2C

UART

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• Develop software/firmware for projects related to sensors, control systems, communications, and navigation


• Improve testing automation, software quality, data collection, analysis and validation


• Debug issues in production, determine the root cause and apply fixes in a timely manner


• Assist in flight testing both locally and at remote sites

Qualifications

• B.S. in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar


• 2+ years of professional experience


• Strong software skills (C/C++, Python) and experience with ARM microcontrollers


• Hands-on experience through employment, student teams, and/or co-op internships


• Experience with real-time systems, Linux development, and low level communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART)


• Familiarity with control systems, robotics, and/or sensors

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with embedded security


• Experience with BLE

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.

$132,000 - $153,000 a year

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 and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. 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.