Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer - Avionics (Onsite)

Pivotal; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k plan

Job summary

Pivotal is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to drive firmware for eVTOL avionics at our Palo Alto HQ. You will design, implement, test, and certify firmware for safety-critical systems, collaborating with systems engineering and other engineering teams.

A strong background in DO-178C, low-level interfaces, and C/C++ is essential. Applicants should have 5+ years of embedded experience, advanced degrees, and familiarity with FAA and defense software standards.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• 5+ years of professional engineering experience.
• Experience with DO178‑C regulatory process.
• One or more products from concept to aircraft production.
• Extensive experience with low‑level interfaces such as SPI, I2C, CAN‑FD, and UARTs.
• Experience writing firmware (C/C++) for MCUs in embedded systems.
• Experience writing python scripts and python development.
• Experience reading circuit schematics with schematic capture tools.
• Proficient at troubleshooting circuits with appropriate lab tools.
• 5+ years of relevant experience with embedded development.
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science or Engineering.
• Experience with statistical analysis.
• Experience taking at least one product through the entire development process.
• Familiarity with FAA aircraft certification process.
• Familiarity with defense airworthiness process for software.
• Experience with prototype and medium‑volume manufacturing.
• Experience with BLDC motor controller integration/testing.
• Experience with lithium‑based battery testing/monitoring.
• Interest in RC planes, quadcopters, or aviation.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement full avionics embedded firmware.
• Oversee firmware architecture for all avionics.
• Ensure development can conform to DO178‑C.
• Oversee and conduct trade studies between different design considerations.
• Design and recommend sensor interfaces.
• Implement code and V&V.
• Collaborate with the systems engineering and other engineering specialty teams to define requirements related to the eVTOL aircraft and systems safety.

Skills

Embedded firmware development

C/C++ programming

DO-178C

Low-level interfaces SPI/I2C/CAN-FD/U

Education

MS or PhD in Computer Science or Engineering

Electrical or Computer Engineering degree

Tools

Schematic capture tools

Job description

Pivotal is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to drive firmware for eVTOL avionics at our Palo Alto HQ. You will design, implement, test, and certify firmware for safety-critical systems, collaborating with systems engineering and other engineering teams.

A strong background in DO-178C, low-level interfaces, and C/C++ is essential. Applicants should have 5+ years of embedded experience, advanced degrees, and familiarity with FAA and defense software standards.