Senior Structural Test Engineer

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The VX4, 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 of having the VX4 in service by 2030.

As a Senior Structural Test Analysis Engineer, you will join our expanding Test Team as our novel aircraft development programme advances. Your role will be pivotal in delivering critical data through component, sub-system, and full-scale tests to support design development and certification.

A typical day could involve:

• Leading complex structural test rig projects for prototype and certification testing.
• Developing test assets from conception to operation.
• Mentoring junior engineers while driving innovation in instrumentation and test monitoring.

You will operate across our Bristol office, Kemble Test Facility, and with flexibility for home working when appropriate.

What You’ll Do

• Plan and execute structural test campaigns, including development and certification activities for our VX4 aircraft programme.
• Lead integration and operation of advanced DAQ and control systems, with particular focus on MTS and LabVIEW platforms.
• Design and review instrumentation strategies including strain gauge placement, rosette configurations, and ensure understanding of signal conditioning principles.
• Ensure precise load measurement practices with deep understanding of load cells, calibration, and behaviour under varying test conditions.
• Lead rig commissioning, safety reviews, and test result interpretation to support design development and certification requirements.
• Build collaborative relationships across Structures, Design, and Systems teams to define test needs and drive planning and delivery of rigorous structural tests.
• Oversee rig design, instrumentation plans, calibration procedures, and DAQ setup from component-level coupons to full-vehicle trials.
• Manage test execution and data validation, ensuring traceability for certification and proactively improving processes for data quality, test repeatability, and system monitoring.
• Train and support junior engineers and technicians in instrumentation and test methodology.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical / Aerospace Engineering (Master's level preferred).
• 10+ years experience in aerospace test engineering or equivalent structural test environment.
• Advanced knowledge of DAQ and control systems, ideally MTS, LabVIEW, and similar platforms.
• Proven experience with instrumentation setup, including strain gauge application, wiring best practices, bonding techniques, and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of load cell behaviours, sensitivity, hysteresis, and calibration principles.
• Strong analytical skills, with ability to lead monitoring setups for real-time test safety and signal integrity.
• Hands-on experience in both developmental and certification test programmes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing.
• Capable of working cross-functionally and managing multiple priorities effectively.

Desired

• Proven leadership in delivering structural test activities in a certification context (EASA/FAA).
• Familiarity with strain gauge rosette analysis, Wheatstone bridge configurations, and noise mitigation techniques.
• Knowledge of calibration traceability and uncertainty calculations.
• Practical familiarity with mechanical assembly of test rigs and prototype structures.
• Experience with data post-processing tools (e.g., nCode, MATLAB).
• Working knowledge of 3D CAD (Catia V5 or 3DEXPERIENCE preferred).

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.

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.