Advanced Electrical Propulsion Systems Engineer

We are currently entering a phase of rapid expansion with the objective of rapidly bringing competitive product(s) to market. As part of this expansion, we are looking for an Advanced Electrical Propulsion System Engineer to join the powertrain and mechanical systems department at Vertical Aerospace. The ideal candidate will bring strong ‘hands-on’ engineering skills backed by a solid theoretical understanding and resolute attention to detail to the role.  You will be able to demonstrate an in-depth technical understanding of the design and integration of electrical propulsion systems, strong capability in supplier management and systems engineering. Previous aerospace experience is not essential, but a background in vehicle electrification and prototype system development is ideal.

You will need be prepared to take on a wide range of challenges across multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, and to work at all levels of an organisation.

Duties will be wide ranging and varied and will include:

• Analysis and modelling of electric propulsion topologies, comparison of power device technologies, size and mass estimation, loss calculation, thermal modelling
• Understand, extract and generate sub-system level requirements from system level requirements and applicable means of compliance to applicable standards (e.g. ARP4754A, DO254, DO160…)
• Support system safety analyses activities such as FHAs, FMEA’s FTAs, CCAs, etc.
• Support and management of associated data and technical documentation (e.g. requirement database management, certification plan documentation…).
• Working closely with other internal engineering disciplines and external partners to help deliver highly integrated design solutions
• Assist with root cause analysis for any failures.
• Support technical trade-offs at propulsion sub-system level leading to the definition of a propulsion subsystem design.
• Support to propulsion subsystem fluidic analyses and preparation of analysis reports for subsystem PDR/CDR data packs.
• Managing the technical requirements specification for electric propulsion equipment and interface with the equipment supplier/s as well as internal key stakeholders.

Essential Qualifications/Experience

• A degree in Electrical/Electronic/System Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of demonstrable electric propulsion system and component development experience in an aerospace, automotive or similar engineering environment with proven ability to deliver power converters / motor drive design and integration projects and work packages
• Good understanding of the working principle and control strategy of powertrain inverters, electric motors, powertrain thermal management, performance and protection, high voltage protection and NVH
• Industrially proven analytical and problem - solving skills, including the ability to quickly understand complex issues and to propose solutions.
• Excellent team working skills with the ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with colleagues
• Strong organisational skills and an ability to focus on and complete detailed tasks in a busy, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interface with a wide range of disciplines within engineering.
• Experience using data processing and visualisation software such as MATLAB.
• Knowledge of state-of-the-art electric propulsion subsystem architectures & technologies.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience with using HIL or test rigs for system V&V activities
• Working knowledge of electric propulsion system calibration and diagnostics tools
• Knowledge and experience in communication networks CAN etc.
• Familiarity and knowledge of Aerospace certification standards like ARP4761, DO-178C and DO-254 standards
• Experience of the product development cycle from concept to production and in-service
• Safe working with hazardous voltages, particularly DC systems.
• Familiarity with Requirement Management tools such as DOORS, JAMA, etc.
• Awareness of the processes and requirements relevant to aircraft certification.

Do you like the look of this opportunity but not sure if you meet all of the criteria we’ve outlined in the advert?

Here at Vertical, we are working to create an environment of growth, diversity and opportunities for people to take on challenges and push the status quo. 

If you are excited about this role or joining us but your experience or qualifications are not completely aligned with the criteria, we would still love to hear from you, this may be the role for you! 

This is an on-going advert and interviews will be held on an ad-hoc basis until sufficient applications have been received.