Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Process Development (Battery)

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 Process Development Engineer within our Battery Manufacturing Engineering team, you’ll play a pivotal role in defining, developing, and implementing our strategy for measurement and inspection across the battery manufacturing line. You’ll ensure every component and assembly meets the exacting standards required for flight — driving quality, reliability, and compliance from concept to production. This is a rare opportunity to shape the metrology and inspection landscape for an emerging technology at the forefront of electric aviation.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and own the requirements of assembly processes, liaising with stakeholders and being responsible for ensuring the tooling/equipment, process and assemblies are meeting such requirements.
• Undertake Process Capability studies, using statistical modelling to understand and drive improvement within the production process.
• Leading the implementation of new production processes from the lab onto the battery pilot line.
• Specify, select and commission state of the art adhesive dispensing, surface preparation for process development, taking processes from concept through to certification.
• Collaborating with industrialisation partners to down select equipment for production and in line inspection.
• Continual production support and process improvement for novel prototype and certification battery production, ensuring quality and certification standards are met throughout the production processes.

What you’ll bring
Have a strong background in high volume final assembly and lean manufacturing principles with relevant experience in new product introduction (NPI). Experience with adhesive dispensing (1K,2K, expanding materials), surface preparation and development of assembly tooling. Have experience in manufacturing assembly both automated and manual, ideally of a battery such as those in electric vehicles. Strong understanding of quality and certification standards (AS9100, EASA Part 21, or similar). Excellent problem-solving skills with an eye for precision and process improvement. A proactive, collaborative engineer who thrives in fast-paced, innovative environments. Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent experience). Or time in role will also be considered in place of a degree.

Bonus Points If You Have:
Experience with Siemens PLC programming and can provide examples. Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it).

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 (Help@Hand). 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. As part of our desire to review and make our processes fair, we may ask you questions related to these aspects during the application process. For more information on how we will use your data, see our Legal section.