Senior Quality Engineer (Hybrid Working) in Bristol

Our MissionAt 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. Valo is targeting airliner-level safety certification in 2029 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers. What to expectThis is an opportunity to help shape and grow a high-performing supplier quality function at a pivotal stage of our journey. As Senior Supplier Quality Manager, you will play a key role in developing how we work with our suppliers, establishing clear, effective standards, and building processes that support sustainable growth and innovation. This role goes beyond day-to-day quality management. You will report directly to our VP of Procurement & Supply Chain, with a functional reporting line to the Director of Quality. This is a hands-on leadership role, combining delivery with the opportunity to help shape the systems, standards, and processes that will support Vertical's transition from development into production and service. What you'll doContribute to and implement supplier quality strategy aligned to business growth, certification, and industrialisation goalsDevelop and continuously improve supplier quality processes, governance, and standards, including performance management and risk mitigationBuild strong, effective ways of working across suppliers, engineering, operations, and procurement teamsSupport supplier development activities, working collaboratively to improve capability, maturity, and performance across the networkMonitor and improve supplier quality performance, using data and insights to guide continuous improvementBuild trusted relationships with internal stakeholders and key suppliers, acting as a visible and approachable quality partnerIdentify and manage risk, supporting proactive quality planning and early issue detectionHelp ensure processes, tools, and governance evolve as the organisation grows and production scalesWhat you'll bringDegree in engineering (or similar) preferred; equivalent practical experience also valuedStrong experience in supplier quality within aerospace (ideally around 10 years), with familiarity with standards such as AS9100 (or AS13100) and Part 21G and/or JExperience supporting supplier audits, development, and continuous improvement, including use of problem-solving methods such as 8D, 5 Whys, and PFMEAExperience working with suppliers on new product introduction / industrialisation, alongside the ability to interpret engineering drawings and understand manufacturing processesStrong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build relationships, contribute to team development, and adapt in a fast-paced environmentWillingness to travel globally (~25%), primarily within Europe with some further travel as requiredWhat can you expect from us? Working at Vertical isn't your average role but for those seeking a challenge, a flexible, supportive organisation and an incredible team; 26 days holiday, plus bank holiday5 extra days per year to buy (or sell)5 extra days holiday when you get married or enter a civil partnershipAdditional 4% of your salary to spend on extra benefitsAward-winning digital health and wellbeing service (Help@Hand)Company performance based bonus - rewarding company and individual performanceCompany Share Scheme - open to every Vertical employeeCompany Pension Scheme - 5% and we match itBreakfast on us, every dayWe 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. 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. For more information on how we will use your data, see our Legal section.