Internship, Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul Engineering (Summer 2027)

Pivotal; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Pivotal, a leader in electric eVTOL development, is offering a Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul internship in Palo Alto. You will gain hands-on experience supporting aircraft repair engineering, sustainment strategy, and process development while working with operational aircraft and cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes learning to evaluate repairability, assist in documentation, and contribute to scalable MRO processes aligned with FAA pathways.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Interest in aircraft systems and hands-on hardware work.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident; onsite in Palo Alto, CA.

Responsibilities

• Support development of repair procedures for structural, mechanical, electrical, and battery systems
• Assist in 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
• 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

Aerospace systems

Sustainment engineering

Hands-on hardware

Engineering drawings interpretation

Technical documentation

Independent work

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree program in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

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.