Description
Motor Controls Engineer II - R&D
Team: Powertrain
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Commitment: Full-time (Exempt)
Workplace Type: onsite
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.
Pivotal is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Motor Controls Engineer to help develop, implement, and validate control algorithms for electric motors used on our eVTOL aircraft. The engineer will work across modeling, simulation, embedded implementation, and test activities to ensure precise, efficient, and reliable motor control performance under all flight conditions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in motor control algorithm development and motor controller software architecture along with professional automotive, industrial robotics or aviation experience.
Responsibilities
- Develop and tune torque, speed, and current control algorithms (e.g., Field-Oriented Control, Direct Torque Control) using MATLAB/Simulink, and C/C++.
- Support selection of control architecture, sensing approach, and inverter strategies based on system performance needs.
- Collaborate with electrical, firmware, and mechanical engineers to ensure controller integration with hardware and overall propulsion system performance.
- Perform bench, dynamometer, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to validate control algorithms.
- Analyze test and flight data to characterize motor and controller performance, efficiency, and thermal behavior.
- Design, implement and validate propulsion system failure detection algorithms.
- Contribute to model development, data analysis, and parameter identification for simulation and control validation.
- Document design methods, test procedures, and results.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in electric motor control, power electronics, or embedded control systems
- Masters or PhD in related engineering discipline (Aerospace, Mechanical, etc)
- Proven experience in designing and developing productized motor controls.
- In-depth understanding of torque control techniques such as slip-based control, field oriented control, direct torque control.
- Prior experience with flux estimation methods, 3-phase power control, analytical control system theory development and analysis.
- Knowledge of Field-Oriented Control, flux estimation, PWM techniques, and motor parameter identification.
- Experience with various PWM schemes such as space vector, discontinuous, and sinusoidal modulation, including data-acquisition methods.
- System-oriented understanding of thermal, system-level torque and velocity control, voltage DC-link integration, efficiency optimization, and firmware integration for electric drives.
- Experience testing and debugging embedded control systems in lab or dynamometer environments.
- Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++ for algorithm development and embedded deployment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to system-level performance.
- Knowledge of relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols
- Hands-on experience through employment, student teams, co-op, and/or personal projects
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative start-up environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with version control such as Git
- Experience with TI Instaspin SW bbox
- Experience with Propeller Characterization
- Experience with Dynamometer testing
- Experience with wind-tunnel testing and/or CFD for use in flight dynamics modeling
- Proficiency with Python, C#, Java, or other high level languages
- Experience with embedded systems, real-time systems, robotics, or sensors
- Interest in RC planes, quadcopters, or aviation
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.
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.
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