At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive advanced powertrain technology projects and collaborate on innovative electric aircraft solutions.
- Company: Join Vertical Aerospace, a leader in electric aviation innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, flexible work options, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of shaping the future of aviation with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in powertrain engineering and a degree in Engineering or related field.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration with academic institutions.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
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.
What to Expect
As you will join a newly formed team within our Powertrain function, focused on identifying, prioritising and delivering advanced technology developments that will shape the future competitiveness of our aircraft. This role operates across the full breadth of powertrain disciplines, including power electronics, electric machines, energy storage, energy management and simulation. You will work closely with internal engineering teams to identify where novel technologies can deliver meaningful performance, cost and capability advantages. A typical day could involve assessing emerging powertrain technologies, defining development roadmaps, collaborating with internal stakeholders to mature concepts, or working with academic partners to translate cutting‑edge research into real engineering capability. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working at the front end of technology development, thrives on cross‑functional collaboration, and is motivated by delivering tangible commercial impact through engineering innovation.
What You’ll Do
- Identify, prioritise and deliver advanced powertrain technology development projects
- Work across power electronics, electric machines, energy storage and energy management to drive future capability
- Collaborate closely with wider powertrain teams to align advanced developments with product and programme needs
- Lead and contribute to technology development activities from concept through to demonstration and integration
- Engage with UK academic institutions to develop and deliver collaborative research activities
- Support grant‑funded and externally partnered technology programmes
- Apply structured, methodical engineering processes to ensure robust technology maturation
- Communicate technical progress, risks and opportunities clearly to stakeholders
What You’ll Bring
- Strong experience in powertrain or propulsion engineering, ideally within aerospace, automotive or adjacent high‑technology sectors
- Demonstrated capability in technology development within one or more powertrain domains
- A strong drive to deliver commercial impact through enabling technologies
- Proven experience of cross‑functional collaboration and technical leadership
- Experience working with academic or research institutions on engineering projects
- Strong interest in future powertrain technologies and their application to electric aircraft
- A methodical, structured approach to engineering development and process deployment
- Degree‑level qualification in Engineering or a related discipline
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 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.
Senior Propulsion Engineer - Powertrain in Bristol employer: Vertical Aerospace
Contact Detail:
Vertical Aerospace Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Propulsion Engineer - Powertrain in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the aerospace and powertrain sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your projects and achievements in propulsion engineering. This is a great way to demonstrate your expertise and passion for the field, especially when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research Vertical Aerospace thoroughly—know their mission, values, and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals in electric aviation and powertrain technology.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind. Plus, it’s a chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Propulsion Engineer - Powertrain in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Propulsion Engineer role. Highlight your experience in powertrain or propulsion engineering, especially within aerospace or automotive sectors, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about electric aviation and how your background in technology development can contribute to our mission at Vertical Aerospace.
Showcase Collaboration Skills: We love teamwork! In your application, mention any cross-functional projects you've worked on and how you’ve collaborated with different teams or academic institutions. This will show us you’re a great fit for our dynamic environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, we want to see your enthusiasm for joining our team directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Aerospace
✨Know Your Powertrain Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of powertrain technologies, especially in the context of electric aviation. Be ready to discuss specific projects or technologies you've worked on that relate to power electronics, energy storage, or electric machines.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Vertical Aerospace values cross-functional collaboration, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked with different teams. Highlight any experiences where you led a project or contributed to a team effort that resulted in tangible outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Methodical Approach
Since the role requires a structured engineering process, come equipped with examples of how you've applied methodical approaches in past projects. Discuss how you ensure robust technology maturation and how you manage risks and opportunities.
✨Engage with Future Technologies
Express your enthusiasm for emerging powertrain technologies and their applications in electric aircraft. Be ready to discuss recent advancements in the field and how they could impact the future of aviation, showing that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about innovation.