Staff Electro-Mechanical Engineer

Pivotal; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k plans

Job summary

Pivotal in Palo Alto, CA is seeking a Senior Electro-Mechanical Engineer to design and develop the vehicle harness and avionics enclosures for our eVTOL aircraft. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering along with over 5 years of experience in harness design, proficiency in CATIA, and excellent problem-solving abilities. The position offers a salary ranging from $142,000 to $195,000 annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401k plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in electrical harness and enclosure design, preferably within the aerospace or automotive industry.
• Proficiency in CATIA, with expertise in electrical routing and enclosure design tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and integration of the entire vehicle harness and avionics enclosures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compatibility and reliability.
• Utilize CAD and simulation tools to create detailed designs.

Skills

Electrical harness and enclosure design

Proficiency in CATIA

Strong knowledge of thermal management techniques

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

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 early 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.

The Aeromechanical team at Pivotal is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Electro-Mechanical Engineer to join our team. In this position, you will serve as the subject matter expert for the design and development of the vehicle harness and avionics enclosures, playing a critical role in the success of our cutting‑edge eVTOL aircraft.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the go‑to expert in the design, development, and optimization of the vehicle’s electrical harness and avionics enclosures
• Lead the design and integration of the entire vehicle harness, ensuring robust performance, weight efficiency, and adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Design and maintain avionics enclosures, focusing on structural integrity, manufacturability, and advanced thermal management solutions
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate electrical and mechanical systems seamlessly, ensuring compatibility and reliability across all subsystems
• Conduct feasibility studies and detailed analyses, including electrical system performance, thermal modeling, and stress analysis for enclosures
• Utilize CAD and simulation tools to create detailed designs, generate manufacturing drawings, and validate system performance
• Work closely with suppliers and manufacturing partners to define specifications, source components, and oversee production processes to ensure quality and on‑time delivery
• Support system‑level testing and validation, analyzing test data and implementing design improvements to optimize performance, durability, and safety
• Stay current with advancements in electrical and mechanical design, materials, and industry trends, driving continuous innovation within the team
• Develop and refine design standards, best practices, and documentation for harness and enclosure development, ensuring efficient processes across the organization

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in electrical harness and enclosure design, preferably within the aerospace or automotive industry
• Proficiency in CATIA, with expertise in electrical routing and enclosure design tools
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems, thermal management techniques, and materials for enclosures and harnesses
• Experience with simulation tools for thermal and structural analysis, such as ANSYS or similar software
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions under tight constraints

Attributes aligned with Core Values

• Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily operations, identifying and mitigating risks through assessments and training, encouraging open dialogue on safety concerns, and continuously improving protocols to ensure a safe work environment.
• Puts customers at the center of every action by deeply understanding their challenges, delivering exceptional value, and striving to exceed expectations to support their success as our core purpose.
• 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.

$142,000 - $195,000 a year

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.