Internship, Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul Engineering (Summer 2027)

About the role

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 our Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) organization, this internship provides hands-on experience supporting aircraft repair engineering, sustainment strategy, and airworthiness-driven process development, working directly with operational aircraft, field-returned hardware, and cross-functional teams to help build the repair foundation for next-generation electric flight.

Responsibilities

• Support development of aircraft repair procedures for structural, mechanical, electrical, and battery systems
• Assist in authoring service procedures and repair documentation aligned with ATA iSpec 2200 structure
• Participate in teardown, inspection, and evaluation of returned components and assemblies
• Support root cause investigations and failure analysis efforts
• Evaluate repairability of composite and electromechanical components
• Assist in creating work instructions, inspection criteria, and engineering change documentation
• Support battery and BMS handling evaluations and process development
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Flight Operations teams
• Contribute to development of scalable MRO processes aligned with future FAA Part 145 pathway
• Document repair data, test results, and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution
• Strong interest in aircraft systems, sustainment engineering, and hands-on hardware work
• Demonstrated academic or project experience in structural, mechanical, or electrical systems
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation capability
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Able to work onsite in Palo Alto, CA

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in aircraft, electric vehicles, robotics, or motorsports teams (AIAA Design/Build/Fly, Formula SAE, etc.)
• Exposure to composites, high-voltage systems, or failure analysis
• Familiarity with aviation regulatory concepts (FAA Part 43, Part 145, airworthiness standards)
• Experience working with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) and MRP (Material Requirements Planning) systems
• Experience using CAD tools (3DX preferred)
• Shop, fabrication, or mechanical assembly experience
• Interest in long-term career growth in aerospace sustainment or repair engineering

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 protocols.
• Customer Focus: Puts customers at the center of every action by understanding their challenges, delivering meaningful value, and supporting their success.
• Work Better Together: Seeks and values diverse perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication and commitment to shared decisions.
• Be the Pilot: Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes.
• Embrace 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 progress.
• Respect 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.

Additional information

Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA.