At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead structural test projects for innovative electric aircraft and mentor junior engineers.
- Company: Join Vertical Aerospace, a pioneer in electric aviation with a mission to redefine aerospace standards.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, flexible working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities in a dynamic industry.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking project that aims to revolutionise air travel by 2030.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering and 10+ years in aerospace test engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation.
The VX4, our e VTOL (electric, vertical, take-off and landing), 'zero emissions' aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we will navigate the sky.
instead, we want to 'redefine' aerospace best practices.
We are growing quickly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, and the next few years will be critical to our success and delivering on our ambitious goals of having the VX4 in service by 2030.
As a Senior Structural Test Analysis Engineer, you will join our expanding Test Team as our novel aircraft development programme advances.
Your role will be pivotal in delivering critical data through component, sub-system, and full-scale tests to support design development and certification.
A typical day could involve leading complex structural test rig projects for prototype and certification testing, developing test assets from conception to operation, or mentoring junior engineers while driving innovation in instrumentation and test monitoring.
You'll operate across our Bristol office, Kemble Test Facility, and with flexibility for home working when appropriate.
You will plan and execute structural test campaigns, including development and certification activities for our VX4 aircraft programme.
You will design and review instrumentation strategies including strain gauge placement, rosette configurations, and ensure understanding of signal conditioning principles.
You will lead rig commissioning, safety reviews, and test result interpretation to support design development and certification requirements.
You will build collaborative relationships across Structures, Design, and Systems teams to define test needs and drive planning and delivery of rigorous structural tests.
You will manage test execution and data validation, ensuring traceability for certification and proactively improving processes for data quality, test repeatability, and system monitoring.
You will train and support junior engineers and technicians in instrumentation and test methodology.
Degree in Mechanical / Aerospace Engineering (Master's level preferred).
~10+ years experience in aerospace test engineering or equivalent structural test environment.
~ Strong analytical skills, with ability to lead monitoring setups for real-time test safety and signal integrity.
~ Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing.
~ Familiarity with strain gauge rosette analysis, Wheatstone bridge configurations, and noise mitigation techniques.
Practical familiarity with mechanical assembly of test rigs and prototype structures.
Experience with data post-processing tools (e. g., Working knowledge of 3D CAD (Catia V5 or 3DEXPERIENCE preferred).
Working at Vertical isn't your average role but for those seeking a challenge, a flexible, supportive organisation and an incredible team; 26 days holiday, plus
