Senior Manager, Systems Engineering

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. We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager, Systems Engineering to lead our Systems Engineering team and drive system-level requirements, architecture, integration, verification, and validation across our aircraft programs. This is a hands-on technical leadership role requiring strong systems-engineering fundamentals combined with meaningful depth in at least one engineering discipline. The successful candidate will work closely with hardware, software, GNC, aeromechanical, powertrain, manufacturing, and flight-test teams to ensure Pivotal aircraft are developed and verified as integrated systems. Responsibilities Lead and mentor Pivotal's Systems Engineering team, including requirements, systems integration, and verification activitiesOwn the aircraft and subsystem requirements-management process in JAMA, including decomposition, allocation, traceability, baselines, change management, and verification closureEstablish and maintain clear traceability from system requirements through lower-level requirements, verification requirements, test activities, and objective evidenceLead development and execution of aircraft-level Verification and Validation (V&V) plans, compliance matrices, test requirements, and verification reportsPartner with engineering and flight-test teams to define verification through analysis, inspection, bench testing, SIL/HIL, ground test, UAV flight, and crewed flight as appropriateLead system architecture, functional allocation, and critical hardware/software and subsystem interfacesDevelop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and resolve cross-functional interface issuesDrive technical integration across GNC, embedded software, electrical, battery, propulsion, aeromechanical, manufacturing, and flight testLead or support technical reviews including SRR, CoDR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and aircraft readiness reviewsEnsure system safety, failure behavior, degraded modes, and identified hazards are appropriately captured in requirements and verificationSupport aircraft bring-up, troubleshooting, ground testing, and flight-test readinessDevelop practical, scalable Systems Engineering processes that improve execution without creating unnecessary process overhead Qualifications Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field10+ years of engineering experience developing complex multidisciplinary systems, with demonstrated technical leadership or people-management experienceStrong experience with requirements development, decomposition, allocation, traceability, and verificationExperience with JAMA, DOORS, Polarion, Codebeamer, or similar requirements-management tools; JAMA experience strongly preferredDemonstrated experience developing and executing system-level V&V programsExperience integrating complex hardware and software systems from development through test and releaseExperience developing system architectures and managing subsystem interfaces and ICDsDemonstrated technical depth in at least one discipline such as aircraft design, mechanical systems, electrical systems, embedded software, controls/GNC, autonomy, propulsion, or system integration and testAbility to investigate and resolve complex multidisciplinary technical problems across engineering teamsExperience with aerospace, spacecraft, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other safety-critical electromechanical products strongly preferredExperience with HIL/SIL, aircraft ground test, flight test, system safety, or structured aerospace development processes is preferredStrong communication skills and demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional technical teams The ideal candidate is a builder and technical integrator, not simply a process owner. They understand the value of requirements discipline and rigorous verification while maintaining the speed, judgment, and hands-on technical engagement required to develop new aircraft. 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 protocolsCustomer Focus: Puts customers at the center of every action by understanding their challenges, delivering meaningful value, and supporting their successWork Better Together: Seeks and values diverse perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication and commitment to shared decisionsBe the Pilot: Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomesEmbrace 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 progressRespect 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 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. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.