Ejection Seat Specialist

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 We are looking for an Escape Systems Specialist team here at Vertical. The role will primarily work as an Ejection Seat Senior Approved Person within Vertical’s internal authorisation structure but will have secondary responsibilities as an Aircraft Build & Maintenance Technician. Further to this, they will undertake review & continuous improvement activities for Ejection Seat processes and procedures. The candidate will be required on site at Vertical's Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport for the operations elements of this role. Some flexible working is available around these duties.

What you'll do As Ejection Seat SAP:

• Carry out the Arming, De-arming, Installation & Removal of Ejection Seat (EJS).
• Perform Vital Checks and Independent Inspections as laid down in the AMM.
• Provide training to company members to Competent Person level.
• Train and audit Authorised Person in Flight Servicing of Ejection Seats.
• Liaise with Logistics and Maintenance Planning to book resources to facilitate EJS installation or removal.
• Maintain and control the Ejection Seat Bay, its contents and any required ejection seat tooling.
• Have a flexibility to work to the aircraft and companies EJS requirements.

As Crew Chief:

• Responsible for safe pilot ingress/egress during normal aircraft ops.
• Ensure a safe operating environment during aircraft ground ops.
• Direct attachment/removal of any ground support equipment during normal aircraft ops.
• In the event of aircraft malfunctions after the aircraft has been released for test, the Crew Chief is focal point for coordinating any troubleshooting activity.
• Monitor operational time remaining for life limited components.
• Ensure that operations team is informed of any aircraft discrepancies.
• Provide feedback to Flight Test for work accomplished and any adverse findings.
• Coordinate aircraft preparations so that Ops and Flight Test are aware of timing.
• Coordinate reconfigurable items, including ballast, charge, HW and SW.
• Represent Flight Test in planning meetings so that aircraft physical configuration meets mission requirements.
• Provide feedback on feasibility and schedule impact of modifications to aircraft.
• Draft standard operating procedures.

What you'll bring:

• Will have extensive experience as an ejection seat maintenance technician in a civilian or military aircraft maintenance setting.
• Should ideally have experience as a supervisor on ejection seats.
• Should have good IT skills and be proficient in the use of a Computerised Maintenance Management Software as well as Microsoft Office package.
• Should have good attention to detail and can operate to challenging deadlines without compromising standards or quality.
• Should demonstrate a flexible and proactive attitude to carrying out responsibilities and always willing to lend a hand where needed throughout the business and across different teams.
• Would benefit from having a good working knowledge of aircraft maintenance including use of documentation, manuals, and engineering drawings.
• Given the challenging nature of this opportunity, it will be important that they are able to work well in a growing team and demonstrate initiative to resolve unique technical problems whilst operating in a fast paced and ever-changing environment.

Basic Qualifications/Experience:

• Accredited aerospace engineering qualification.
• Recognized aircraft engineering apprenticeship in commercial/military or similar qualification in aircraft systems.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in ejection seat maintenance or overhaul.
• Full UK driving licence.

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 Our people matter - we're not going anywhere without them. Which is why our company benefits go beyond the essentials.

• 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.