At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the certification programme for our innovative VX4 eVTOL aircraft from design to type certification.
- Company: Join Vertical Aerospace, a pioneer in electric aviation with a mission to redefine aerospace standards.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, flexible benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic, fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking team shaping the future of Advanced Air Mobility.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in aircraft certification, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ 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 our Senior Project Certification Manager, you’ll lead the certification programme from the early stages of design all the way through to type certification. You will be the key liaison between engineering, suppliers, and regulatory authorities globally.
Reporting to our Head of Airworthiness, you will play a key part in our certification efforts as we seek to certify the novel Valo design.
What You'll Do
- Defining the certification basis and means of compliance, negotiating with civil aviation authorities
- Leading development of certification plans, test proposals, verification/validation (V&V) strategy, and inspection & qualification campaigns
- Ensuring compliance in all technical domains (software, hardware, structural, systems, interiors, propulsion) with industry standards and regulations
- Managing physical inspections, flight tests, environmental tests and other verification activities
- Overseeing configuration management, design changes, and maintaining traceability of certification requirements
- Leading and mentoring a team of certification, compliance, and technical specialists
- Proactively identifying risks, resolving threats to schedule, and addressing potential obstacles to certification
- Collaborating with suppliers to ensure their parts, processes and documentation satisfy certification requirements
- Supporting continued airworthiness post-certification and managing modifications or changes
What You'll Bring
- 10+ years of experience in aircraft type certification or major modification/STC/major regulatory engagements in aerospace, preferably with highly regulated domains
- Strong foundation in regulatory/airworthiness standards (equivalent to CS/FAR Part 23/25/27/29 or their global analogues), software & hardware compliance standards (DO-178C / DO-254), environmental qualification (DO-160 or equivalent), and systems safety & reliability (ARP4754A, ARP4761 or equivalents)
- Proven experience in interacting with aviation authorities internationally, negotiating technical requirements/methods of compliance, and delivering projects through audit or authority review
- Leadership & management experience: building teams, mentoring engineers, managing cross‑disciplinary stakeholder interfaces
- Strong project planning, risk management, configuration control, and problem‑solving skills
- Excellent communication: able to translate complex technical/certification issues into program‑level strategy and reports
- Adaptability, bias for action, and ability to thrive in fast‑paced aerospace R&D / certification environment
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
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.
Senior Certification Manager in Bristol employer: Vertical Aerospace
At Vertical Aerospace, we are not just redefining aerospace; we are creating a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Remote Senior Structural Test Engineer, you will enjoy the flexibility of home working while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to pioneering electric aviation. With a strong focus on employee growth, mentorship opportunities, and a commitment to safety and excellence, we offer an environment where you can truly thrive and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in aviation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Certification Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the aerospace industry, especially those who are already at Vertical Aerospace. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our goal of redefining aerospace best practices. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly. We’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to be part of our journey in electric aviation.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Senior Certification Manager, you’ll need to lead a team. Share examples of how you've mentored others or managed projects successfully in your previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Certification Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in aircraft type certification and regulatory engagements. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Vertical Aerospace!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Project Certification Manager, you'll be leading a team. So, don’t forget to mention your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed cross-disciplinary teams in the past. We love a good team player!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain complex technical issues and how you’ve tackled them. We appreciate clarity as much as we appreciate innovation!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of aviation!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Aerospace
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the relevant regulatory and airworthiness standards like CS/FAR Part 23/25/27/29. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but you truly understand the complexities of certification.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Certification Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and mentored teams in the past. Highlight your experience in managing cross-disciplinary interfaces and how you’ve navigated challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions about compliance standards like DO-178C and DO-254. Be ready to explain how you’ve applied these standards in previous roles, and think of specific projects where you’ve had to negotiate with aviation authorities.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of scenarios where you identified risks or obstacles to certification and how you resolved them. Being able to articulate your problem-solving process will demonstrate your proactive approach and adaptability, which are crucial for this role.
