Advanced Test Rig Design Engineer in Bristol

Our Mission At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, our eVTOL (electric, vertical, take‑off and landing) aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we navigate the sky. We won’t follow the same legacy processes and traditions that preceded us. Instead, we aim to redefine aerospace best practices. We are growing rapidly from a prototype business into a scaling SME, and the next few years are critical to our success and delivering on our ambitious goals. Valo is targeting air‑liner‑level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.

We’re looking for a Test Rig Design Engineer to play a key role in delivering the physical test infrastructure that underpins our certification and technology development. This is a hands‑on, delivery‑focused engineering role—owning test rigs from initial concept through to build, commissioning, and execution. You will take end‑to‑end ownership of rig development—capturing requirements, designing solutions, coordinating build and procurement, and ensuring successful delivery into operation.

What You’ll Do

• Define structural test requirements in collaboration with Structures and Product teams
• Design and develop structural test rigs and fixtures from concept through to detailed design
• Produce high‑quality 3D models and 2D drawings to support manufacturing and assembly
• Apply sound engineering judgement to ensure designs are practical, robust, and fit for purpose
• Ensure designs are manufacturable and aligned to GD&T and tolerance requirements
• Coordinate with internal teams and external suppliers to deliver rig hardware, actuators, and instrumentation
• Own make‑vs‑buy decisions across rig components and assemblies
• Plan and drive rig build, assembly, and commissioning activities
• Provide hands‑on technical support during build, installation, and test phases

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or similar)
• Experience in structural, aerospace, or tooling/fixture design
• Strong CAD capability (CATIA V5 / 3DEXPERIENCE or similar)
• Ability to produce and interpret 2D engineering drawings
• Experience designing metallic parts and assemblies in 3D environments
• Good understanding of GD&T and tolerance application
• Understanding of mechanical systems, joints, and kinematics

Nice to have

• Experience designing structural test rigs or fixtures
• Familiarity with aerospace testing methods and instrumentation
• Knowledge of tolerance stack‑up in assemblies
• Experience working with external suppliers or manufacturing partners

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 openness in the way we work. The only way we’ll assure the next chapter of aviation history is by working as a team, relentlessly, towards our goal.

Our Benefits

• 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