Senior Supplier Quality 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), '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 airliner‑level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.

What to expect In this role, you’ll support a broad range of supplier quality activities across systems such as airframe, powertrain, battery, mechanical assemblies, avionics, and beyond. You will work cross‑functionally with Procurement, Engineering, Programme, and Manufacturing teams to drive supplier readiness, qualification, and performance — all within a fast‑paced, certification‑driven environment. This is a hands‑on role for someone who is comfortable wearing multiple hats and thrives in a start‑up setting where adaptability, problem‑solving, and collaboration are key.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and support supplier quality assurance activities with a primary focus on Energy Storage Systems, while also providing cross‑functional support to other commodity areas (e.g. EPU, avionics, mechanical parts).
• Knowledge of battery manufacturing processes as well as NADCAP‑controlled special processes is advantageous.
• Experience in NDI/NDT and incoming quality inspection is also considered a strong advantage.
• Onboard suppliers to ensure they can deliver quality products, and they have the capability to fulfil their scope of approval.
• Conduct supplier audits and quality assessments in accordance with AS9100, CAA/EASA Part 21G, and customer‑specific requirements.
• Manage the implementation of APQP, PPAP, FAI, NCR, 8D, and concession processes.
• Manage supplier performance, focusing on nonconformances and RCA.
• Support suppliers on inspections, reviewing FAIR and make sure the PFMEA is correctly applied.
• Verify the supplier measurement system and review metrology reports.
• Manage goods receiving controls and supplier quality records.
• Use KPI‑driven data for supplier scorecards and process improvements.
• Communicate regularly with strategic suppliers to maintain relationships and review trends.
• Promote continual improvement and cost‑effectiveness through supplier initiatives.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of internal quality systems and process improvements.
• Support cross‑functional reviews including Design Reviews, MFTs, and Programme Milestone Gates.
• Serve as the quality voice in supplier development and early‑stage production readiness reviews.

What you’ll bring:

• Degree qualified preferred, experience may be taken in consideration.
• Experience with Energy Storage Systems.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA in a regulated environment (e.g. aerospace, defence, automotive).
• Lead auditor accreditation for AS9100.
• Experience in quality management systems (ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949) and familiarity with CAA/EASA regulations (Part 21G and/or Part 145).
• Strong analytical skills and use of six sigma and quality tools such as PFMEA, 8D, 5 Whys, process mapping.
• Proven experience auditing to ISO 9001:2015, AS9100, IATF 16949, or CAA/EASA Part 21G requirements.
• Competent in reading Engineering drawings or CAD models.
• Experience with ERP systems (Infor experience is a strong plus).
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.
• A digitalisation and automation mindset, with strong proficiency in leveraging AI tools, is highly preferred.
• Experience in a start‑up or high‑growth environment is a plus.
• Effective communication and data presentation skills.

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.