Flight Test Instrumentation Technician 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), '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 air‑liner‑level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.

What To Expect

We are looking for an experienced Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) Technician with high quality instrumentation and sensors knowledge and sound personal standard practices. You will be required to assist in the installation, commissioning, fault finding and flight test support of FTI systems on aircraft, as well as support to various ground test rig instrumentation systems. A real “can do attitude” is required and the candidate must be happy working with minimal guidance and supervision; the role will be varied and challenging at times. Aircraft work will be undertaken at the Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport.

What You'll Do

• Installation of instrumentation to components and aircraft structures
• Commissioning of FTI installations, including system test and confirmation of sensor operation
• On and off aircraft calibration of FTI sensors or parameters and recording of calibration data
• Maintenance and configuration change of FTI software
• Aircraft pre and post flight FTI servicing and data download
• Fault finding to component level of sensors, aircraft wiring and data acquisition equipment
• Maintenance of FTI equipment associated with Telemetry Ground Station
• Maintenance of data logging records
• Ensuring all appropriate paperwork or recording is completed and maintained (job cards, tech logs, tech library, ERP system entries… etc)
• Maintaining a high standard of tool cleanliness and control throughout the aircraft hangar, workshop assembly areas, labs and machine rooms and maintaining exemplary FOD prevention methods throughout
• General assistance on‑site, taking delivery of items, stores work, ordering equipment
• You may be required to work a shift system for high load periods within the business

What You'll Bring

• Experience working with Curtiss Wright KAM500, Lord Microstrain and/or Dewesoft/Dewetron data acquisition units
• Electrical and electronics educational background, preferably to HNC/HND level or higher
• A working knowledge of various sensors, comprising strain gauges, accelerometers, thermocouples, potentiometers and aircraft data bus tappings
• Ideally, an aerospace background, although those with automotive or industrial backgrounds will be considered
• A good working knowledge of electrical schematics and technical assembly drawings
• Experience with wiring, crimping, soldering etc. – experience of working with typical MIL/aerospace connectors would be beneficial
• Happy to travel between Flight Test Centre and any other detached test locations and stay away for short periods if required
• Problem solving and component sourcing capability – able to select and source appropriate components for minor modifications to existing installations, in consultation with the test engineering team
• Can demonstrate a flexible and proactive attitude to carrying out responsibilities and always willing to lend a hand throughout the business if required
• Will apply previous experience, skills & knowledge to maintain Health, Safety and Environmental considerations and suggest improvements to procedures wherever possible
• Have a full UK driving license

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

• 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.