Senior Propulsion Test Engineer in Cirencester

Our Mission

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, our eVTOL (electric, vertical, take-off and landing), 'zero emissions' aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we will navigate the sky. We won’t realise our mission following the same legacy processes and traditions our predecessors followed; 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. Valo is targeting airliner-level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.

What to Expect

Join Vertical Aerospace and help pioneer the future of electric aviation. You’ll be part of a cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary team working on the Valo aircraft, contributing to the testing and validation of next-generation electric and hybrid propulsion systems. This role sits at the heart of our laboratory testing capability, ensuring the safety, reliability and performance of critical propulsion systems across the full development lifecycle.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and execute laboratory testing of propulsion systems, including rotors, EPUs and actuation systems within lift thrust units (LTUs).
• Own the design and development of next-generation propulsion test rigs for performance characterisation and endurance testing.
• Define and deliver test plans covering structural loads, vibration, environmental and performance testing.
• Troubleshoot, upgrade and optimise test rigs, including instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Oversee safe operation and configuration of test facilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to define requirements and validate designs.
• Support certification activities and engage with regulatory bodies (e.g. CAA) during testing.
• Manage technical documentation including test procedures, reports and configuration control.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive continuous improvement across lab capabilities.

What You’ll Bring

• 5+ years’ experience in aerospace propulsion, powertrain or rotor system testing.
• Proven track record delivering verification & validation campaigns for propulsion systems.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation for structural and dynamic measurements.
• Experience with tools such as LabVIEW, Simulink, CANoe, Python, DAQs or test automation systems.
• Hands-on experience working with high-voltage systems (HV training preferred).
• Solid understanding of aircraft development lifecycle (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
• Ability to develop and interpret technical documentation and test specifications.
• Strong leadership, communication and project management skills.
• Proactive, detail-oriented mindset with a strong focus on safety.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with rotating systems (propellers, rotors, electric motors).
• Familiarity with propulsion testing in laboratory environments.
• Understanding of certification frameworks and regulatory requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of vibration, structural load and performance testing techniques.
• Experience working within multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

What can you expect from us?

We’re on a mission. Where others see limits, we see opportunity, and we work at pace. Working at Vertical isn’t your average role but for those seeking a challenge, a flexible, supportive organisation and an incredible team; working here is an opportunity to do the best work of your career. Our approach promotes ingenuity and courage, while our environment builds success through diligence in safety and being open in the way we work. The only way we’re going to assure the next chapter of aviation history is by working as a team, relentlessly, towards our goal.

Our benefits

Our people matter - we’re not going anywhere without them. Which is why our company benefits go beyond the essentials. 26 days holiday, plus...