GNC Test Engineer - Model Based Design

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, the first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market.
Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal vehicles are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been in development, preparing to enter the market for over 10 years. We recently announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, planned for general release and scalable production in 2025.
Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of technology investment today. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. We invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.
Pivotal is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented GNC Test Engineer to support the development of our eVTOL aircraft. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in model-based software development and verification, with hands-on experience testing embedded control systems and ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Requirement-Based Testing: Develop unit and integration tests derived from software and system requirements. Trace requirements to the Simulink model using the Simulink Requirements Toolbox
• Test Harness Development: Build test harnesses in Simulink Test and design both positive and negative test cases for software components
• Model-Based Testing: Perform MIL, SIL, and PIL testing of flight software models and components, ensuring robustness across all stages of the development lifecycle.
• Automation & Regression: Automate regression testing pipelines and maintain clear records of test results.
• Coverage & Standards: Deliver coverage metrics consistent with the allocated safety integrity level and ensure conformance to modeling guidelines.
• Tool-Based Analysis: Conduct static and dynamic code analysis using tools such as Polyspace, and perform model checks with Model Advisor.
• Collaboration: Work closely with GNC, firmware, systems engineering, and flight test teams to ensure verification processes align with overall program needs.
• Continuous Improvement: Actively contribute to improving verification methodologies, test infrastructure, and best practices.
• Documentation: Maintain thorough documentation of test procedures, results, and compliance evidence.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience in software testing, model-based design, or embedded systems verification.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline.
• Proven experience with MATLAB, Simulink, Stateflow, Simulink Test, Model Advisor, Polyspace, and m-scripting.
• Strong understanding of requirement-based testing and white-box testing.
• Hands-on experience performing MIL, SIL, and PIL testing within a model-based development environment.
• Familiarity with version control (Git), requirements management tools (e.g., JAMA, Simulink Requirements Toolbox), and issue tracking systems (e.g. Jira).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in C/C++ and experience with embedded software testing.
• Experience with static/dynamic code analysis, memory and timing analysis.
• Knowledge of DO-178C, ISO 26262, ASPICE, or AUTOSAR processes.
• Experience with real-time processors (e.g., Infineon AURIX family).
• Scripting experience in Python or Perl for automation.
• Background in aviation, robotics, or safety-critical systems.
• Interest in RC aircraft, quadcopters, or hands-on aviation projects.

Personal Attributes

• 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.

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.