About the role#
As an intern in the Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) organization, you will gain hands-on experience in aircraft repair engineering, sustainment strategy, and airworthiness-driven process development. You will work directly with operational aircraft, field-returned hardware, and cross-functional teams to build the repair foundation for electric flight.
What you'll do#
- Support the 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 the teardown, inspection, and evaluation of returned components and assemblies.
- Support root cause investigations and failure analysis efforts.
- Evaluate the 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 the development of scalable MRO processes aligned with future FAA Part 145 pathways.
- Document repair data, test results, and continuous improvement initiatives.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a bachelor's or master's degree program in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering at an accredited institution.
- Strong interest in aircraft systems, sustainment engineering, and hands-on hardware work.
- 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 the ability to produce technical documentation.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
- Hands-on experience in aircraft, electric vehicles, robotics, or motorsports teams such as AIAA Design/Build/Fly or Formula SAE.
- Exposure to composites, high-voltage systems, or failure analysis.
- Familiarity with aviation regulatory concepts like FAA Part 43, Part 145, and airworthiness standards.
- Experience with PLM and MRP systems, CAD tools (3DX preferred), and shop or mechanical assembly.
- Interest in long-term career growth in aerospace sustainment or repair engineering.
Location & details#
- Location: Palo Alto, California.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Modality: On-site.
- Commitment: Full-time.
- Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Compensation: This is a paid internship.
About Pivotal
Pivotal is a contract research organization that provides clinical development services to the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. Founded in 2001, the company maintains its headquarters in Madrid and operates across more than 20 countries. Its staff of approximately 255 employees supports clinical trials across all therapeutic areas. The firm specializes in oncology, innovative therapies, and early phase research.
How to get in at Pivotal
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