Internship, Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul Engineering (Fall 2026)

Pivotal; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Pivotal is seeking an intern to support its Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) organization in Palo Alto. This hands-on role involves repairing procedures, teardown, inspection, and failure analysis for aircraft systems, electronics, and batteries.

Current enrollment in a bachelor’s or master’s program in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering is required. Strong writing skills, CAD/PLM experience, and the ability to work cross-functionally are a plus. On-site work in Palo Alto, CA is expected.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Interest in aircraft systems, sustainment engineering, and hands-on hardware work.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support development of aircraft repair procedures for structural, mechanical, electrical, and battery systems.
• Assist in authoring service procedures and repair documentation aligned with ATA iSpec 2200 structure.
• Participate in teardown, inspection, and evaluation of returned components and assemblies.
• Support root cause investigations and failure analysis efforts.
• Evaluate repairability of composite and electromechanical components.
• Assist in creating work instructions, inspection criteria, and engineering change documentation.
• Support battery and BMS handling evaluations and process development.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Flight Operations teams.
• Contribute to development of scalable MRO processes aligned with future FAA Part 145 pathway.
• Document repair data, test results, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Hands-on hardware

Reading drawings

Technical documentation

Independent work

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Regulatory concepts familiarity

On-site availability

Citizenship eligibility

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD tools (3DX)

PLM systems

MRP systems

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.

As part of our Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) organization, this internship provides hands-on experience supporting aircraft repair engineering, sustainment strategy, and airworthiness-driven process development, working directly with operational aircraft, field-returned hardware, and cross-functional teams to help build the repair foundation for next-generation electric flight.

• Support development ofaircraftrepair procedures for structural, mechanical, electrical, and battery systems
• Assistin authoring service procedures and repair documentation aligned with ATAiSpec2200 structure
• Participate in teardown, inspection, and evaluation of returned components and assemblies
• Support root cause investigations and failure analysis efforts
• Evaluate repairability of composite and electromechanical components
• Assistin creating work instructions, inspection criteria, and engineering change documentation
• Support battery and BMS handling evaluations and process development
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Flight Operations teams
• Contribute to development of scalable MRO processes aligned with future FAA Part 145 pathway
• Document repair data, test results, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Currently enrolled in abachelor's or master'sdegree program in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution
• Strong interest inaircraftsystems, sustainment engineering, and hands-on hardware work
• Demonstrated academic or project experience in structural, mechanical, or electrical systems
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation capability
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Able to work onsite in Palo Alto, CA
• Hands-on experience inaircraft, electric vehicles, robotics, or motorsports teams (AIAA Design/Build/Fly, Formula SAE, etc.)
• Exposure to composites, high-voltage systems, or failure analysis
• Familiarity with aviation regulatory concepts (FAA Part 43, Part 145, airworthiness standards)
• Experience working with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) and MRP (Material Requirements Planning) systems
• Experience using CAD tools (3DXpreferred)
• Shop, fabrication, or mechanical assembly experience
• Interest in long-term career growth in aerospace sustainment or repair engineering

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.