At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive efficiency by optimising processes and implementing lean methodologies in electric aviation.
- Company: Join Vertical Aerospace, a pioneer in electric aviation with a mission to redefine aerospace standards.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, performance bonuses, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking team shaping the future of air mobility.
- Qualifications: Experience in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing, preferably in aerospace.
- Other info: Flexible, innovative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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. 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 As an Advanced Quality Engineer - CI / Lean, you'll play a pivotal role in simplifying, optimising, and standardising business processes across functions to drive efficiency and exceptional business outcomes. This is an opportunity to embed Kaizen, Kaikaku and Kakushin principles into the heart of our operations as we scale towards certification and ongoing production. You'll be working at the intersection of quality, operations, and digital technology - leading process improvement initiatives, facilitating improvement events, and championing lean methodologies across the organisation. Your work will directly contribute to building the operational excellence framework that supports our mission to pioneer electric aviation.
What you'll do:
- Facilitate Kaizen events, identifying and eliminating bottlenecks and redundancies in end-to-end processes
- Train teams on lean principles, problem-solving methodologies, and CI tools
- Develop and execute Standardised Work, Gemba walks, and Visual Management across our facilities
- Manage Kaikaku activities across the organisation as we progress through our journey to Certification
- Implement 5S, standardised work, and visual management systems
- Define process KPIs and build cross-functional performance dashboards
- Delivering Kakushin across digital tools to enhance process efficiency and data visibility: e.g MES and ERP
- Create and maintain process maps, swim lane diagrams, and Value Stream Maps (VSM)
- Coach leadership on tiered accountability and daily management practices
What you'll bring:
- Significant experience in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, or process engineering roles in manufacturing or production environments
- Proven experience in aerospace, aviation, or other highly regulated industries
- Strong knowledge of AS9100, Part 21G, or similar aerospace quality standards
- Relevant qualification in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt minimum, Black Belt preferred)
- Familiarity with eVTOL, electric propulsion, or emerging aviation technologies
- Proven expertise in lean methodologies including VSM, 5S, Kaizen, and standardised work
- Strong facilitation skills with experience leading cross-functional improvement workshops
- Proficiency in process mapping tools and techniques
- Track record of implementing visual management and daily management systems
- Experience working with IT teams on process automation and digitalisation initiatives
- Excellent communication and coaching skills with the ability to influence at all levels
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.
Advanced Quality Engineer - CI/Lean in London employer: Vertical Aerospace
Contact Detail:
Vertical Aerospace Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Quality Engineer - CI/Lean in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Vertical Aerospace, their mission, and their products. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to lean methodologies and continuous improvement. Use the STAR method to structure your answers, showcasing your experience and how it aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Quality Engineer - CI/Lean in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in continuous improvement and lean methodologies. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Vertical Aerospace!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements in aerospace or regulated industries. We’re keen to see how you’ve implemented lean practices and driven process improvements in your previous positions.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key skills and experiences that relate to the Advanced Quality Engineer role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Vertical Aerospace.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Aerospace
✨Know Your Lean Principles
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of lean methodologies like Kaizen, 5S, and Value Stream Mapping. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these principles in past roles, especially in manufacturing or production environments.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've identified and eliminated bottlenecks in processes. Think about specific situations where your interventions led to measurable improvements, as this will demonstrate your ability to drive efficiency.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Aerospace Standards
Since the role is in a highly regulated industry, it’s crucial to understand standards like AS9100 and Part 21G. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked within these frameworks and how they impact quality engineering.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Vertical Aerospace is all about pioneering electric aviation. Show genuine interest in their mission and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who aligns with their vision.