Battery Test Technician in Bristol

Location: Bristol Office

Employment Type: Full time

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: As a Battery Test Technician, you will play a central role in preparing, running, and supporting a wide range of battery testing activities. This includes electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance testing, as well as environmental and safety validation in accordance with aerospace certification standards. You will work closely with engineers and managers to build and maintain test rigs, calibrate and operate specialist equipment, and analyse data to verify system performance. The role will involve hands-on work with high-voltage battery assemblies and test hardware, alongside process improvement and documentation support. You’ll thrive in a collaborative and technically focused environment, where teamwork, safety, and attention to detail are essential. Your work will directly contribute to the successful certification and launch of the Valo, helping to shape the future of sustainable aviation.

What You’ll Do:

• Support delivery and reporting of battery testing covering mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance.
• Conduct tests such as long-term electrical cycling, vibration, IP, cooling system, BMS, EMC, and safety (abuse) tests in accordance with standards (DO-160, DO-311A, UN38.3).
• Assist in the design and setup of electrical systems for test rigs across HV and LV networks.
• Carry out live working on high-voltage battery assemblies during pre- and post-test inspections.
• Assemble and instrument test hardware and components to engineering drawings.
• Perform calibration, configuration, and maintenance of laboratory test equipment.
• Support test definition, data collection, and report preparation.
• Manage defect tracking, data logging, and documentation control (including photos, test logs, and databases).
• Contribute to facility development, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver testing that meets quality and certification standards.

What You’ll Bring:

• Background in test development and/or battery testing (preferably in aerospace or automotive).
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a high technology testing environment or working with electric vehicles.
• Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver hardware testing, including rig design and operation.
• Experience using and maintaining laboratory equipment such as cyclers, shaker tables, climatic chambers, or cooling systems.
• Skilled in mechanical and electrical assembly, including wiring, crimping, and soldering.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and process quality.
• Effective communication and record-keeping skills, with experience collaborating across teams and suppliers.

Desirable:

• Proficiency with data acquisition and CAN tools (e.g. Dewesoft, Vector CANalyzer/CANoe, PICO, LabVIEW).
• Familiarity with CAD for mechanical and/or electrical assemblies.

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 bank holiday, 5 extra days per year to buy (or sell), 5 extra days holiday when you get married or enter a civil partnership, Additional 4% of your salary to spend on extra benefits, Award-winning digital health and wellbeing service, Company performance based bonus - rewarding company and individual performance, Company Share Scheme - open to every Vertical employee, Company Pension Scheme - 5% and we match it, Breakfast on us, every day.

We may just be the hardest job you’ve ever had, but we’re confident it will be the most rewarding. Join the team today and help us shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility.

Disclaimer Statement: We encourage you to apply even if you may not have all the experience listed in the advert. We recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to providing opportunities that create an environment of growth, diversity, and inclusion for everyone.