Avionics Systems Engineer in Bristol

Our mission

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The VX4, 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 of having the VX4 in service by 2030.

What to expect

As an Avionics Systems Engineer, you will join our Vehicle Management Systems (VMS) team of skilled and motivated engineers whose primary focus is the development, integration, and verification of avionics systems critical to the performance and safety of our electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

A typical day could range from defining and managing system requirements using tools like JAMA to collaborating with hardware, software, and safety engineers on robust integration of avionics systems, to participating in Hardware-in-the-Loop testing and flight test campaigns.

Your strong systems thinking, ability to work across disciplines, and passion for cutting-edge aviation technology will be key to your success in this hands-on engineering role.

What you'll do

• You will support the design, development, integration and validation of the avionics architecture within the VMS domain.

• You will define and manage system and subsystem requirements, ensuring traceability from aircraft-level requirements to implementation and verification.

• You will collaborate with hardware, software, and safety engineers to ensure robust integration of avionics systems.

• You will participate in the development and review of interface control documents, system schematics, and data buses (ARINC, CAN, etc.).

• You will support the development and qualification of aircraft systems specific HMI (Human Machine Interface).

• You will contribute to the planning and execution of verification and validation (V&V) activities, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and flight test campaigns.

• You will interface with suppliers and internal teams to ensure timely and compliant delivery of avionics components and systems.

• You will support the certification process by preparing documentation and participating in regulatory reviews.

• You will assist in preparing documentation to support certification (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754A/ARP4761).

What you'll bring

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related discipline.

• Proven experience in avionics systems engineering (2+ years), with a strong background in electronics, software, and avionics systems. Prior work experience in avionics integration role highly desirable.

• Experience with system development lifecycles and processes (e.g., V-model, ARP4754A).

• Hands-on experience with integration and testing environments, including HIL or SIL platforms.

• Strong systems thinking and ability to work across disciplines.

• Proficient in systems modelling and requirements management tools (JAMA, MATLAB System Composer).

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Effective communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly.

• Experience working in fast-paced, collaborative environments with agile and iterative development approaches.

• Passion for cutting-edge aviation technology and sustainable air mobility solutions.

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.