Internship, Flight Test Engineer (Summer 2027)

Pivotal; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Pivotal in Palo Alto, CA is seeking a student intern to support the flight test team across planning, readiness reviews, briefs, and post‑flight analysis. You will also help design flight test components and fabricate parts using in‑house and outsourced capabilities.

The role requires active enrollment in a Bachelor's or Master's program, strong communication and teamwork, and the ability to learn quickly in a fast‑paced environment. Onsite work is required at HQ in Palo Alto.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program at an accredited university.
• Demonstrated project experience in your area of focus.
• Interest in the eVTOL industry and personal flight.
• Ability to learn quickly and multi-task in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organization, and leadership skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Able to work onsite in Palo Alto, CA.

Responsibilities

• Support the flight test team in flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs and post-flight analysis
• Design components for the flight testing operation
• Fabricate components using in‑house and outsourced manufacturing including 3D printing, machine shop and CNC routing
• Complete and finalize bill of materials of hardware‑in‑loop assemblies
• Create documentation and signage for service procedures hardware‑in‑loop assemblies
• Support service of hardware‑in‑loop assemblies to ensure hardware meets configuration standards
• Participate and support experimental flight testing as a crew member

Skills

Student enrollment

Project experience

Interest in eVTOL

Fast learner

Communication leadership

US citizen or PR

Onsite Palo Alto

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree program

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

• Support the flight test team in a range of technical and administrative roles, including flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs and post-flight analysis
• Design components for the flight testing operation
• Fabricate components using in‑house and outsourced manufacturing including 3D printing, machine shop and CNC routering
• Complete and finalize bill of materials of hardware‑in‑loop assemblies
• Create documentation and signage for service procedures hardware‑in‑loop assemblies
• Support service of hardware‑in‑loop assemblies to ensure hardware meets configuration standards
• Participate and support experimental flight testing as a crew member

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters degree program from an accredited university
• Demonstrated project experience in your area of focus
• Interest in eVTOL industry and personal flight
• Ability to learn quickly and multi‑task in a dynamic and fast‑paced work environment
• Strong verbal and written communication, organization, and leadership skills
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Able to work onsite in Palo Alto, CA

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 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.