Embedded Software Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401k plans

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Pivotal is seeking a Firmware Engineer in Palo Alto, CA, responsible for developing robust firmware architecture for eVTOL aircraft. This role requires strong skills in C/C++, Python, and experience with ARM microcontrollers, along with a B.S. in relevant disciplines. The position offers a salary range of $132,000 - $153,000 annually, with benefits including medical and 401k plans.

Join Pivotal's innovative team to contribute to the future of aviation technology and work in a collaborative culture focused on safety and excellence.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience in relevant field.
• Hands-on experience through employment, student teams, and/or co-op internships.
• Experience with real-time systems and low-level communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART).

Responsibilities

• Develop software/firmware for sensors and control systems.
• Improve testing automation and software quality.
• Debug production issues and apply fixes.
• Assist in flight testing activities.

Skills

C/C++

Python

ARM microcontrollers

Linux development

Control systems

Robotics

Embedded security

BLE

Education

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

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.

About the job

As a firmware engineer, you are responsible for designing and implementing a safe, robust and extensible firmware architecture. Your work constitutes the backbone of the aircraft flight control system. You will participate in flight testing to experience the aircraft systems first-hand.

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

• 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.

$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.