Senior Embedded Software Engineer

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 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 the Embedded Software Engineering team, you will drive the development and maintenance of the manufacturing test systems used for our eVTOL aircraft.

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.

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.

Desired Qualities

• Proactively embeds safety into daily operations, identifies and mitigates risks through assessments and training, encourages open dialogue on safety concerns, and continuously improves protocols to ensure a safe work environment.
• Places customers at the center of every action by deeply understanding their challenges, delivering exceptional value, and striving to exceed expectations to support their success.
• 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.

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.