Deputy Chief Engineer

Our mission

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.

What to expect

In anticipation of further growth, we are seeking a Deputy Chief Engineer (DCE). The DCE will report directly to the Chief Engineer and will play a key role in ensuring Vertical has the overall architecture and technical solutions to enable delivery of the VX4, and future derivatives. 

Against the backdrop of fast paced delivery using new and novel technologies, the DCE must partner with the Chief Engineer to make clear decisions and drive trade study outcomes to optimise our design and ensure we deliver a sector leading product which meets commercial requirements and is ultimately certifiable. 

The DCE must be able to encourage and mentor the engineering teams to shift towards greater commercial orientation and high performance in a creative, bold, and agile business, whilst maintaining excellence in technical, regulatory and safety standards. 

This role will be based out of Vertical's headquarters in Bristol, with regular presence required on-site.  

What you'll do

• Co-lead the overall system architecture and technical and product roadmap for the VX4 programme 

• Own confluence planning for VX4 and derivatives  

• Act as a technical authority in major design reviews and chairs trade study and architecture reviews, leading these efforts in the absence of the Chief Engineer 

• Guide safety, redundancy and fail-safe design approaches aligned with certification requirements 

• Support decision making related to performance, weight, range and systems integration trade-offs throughout the development life cycle 

• Own the development and provide active management of performance tracking against the project plan for Chief Engineer’s office, which links into the L0 programme plan 

• Understand state of progression of engineering delivery teams, identify integration issues, and facilitate and track resolution of these 

• With the Chief Engineer, advise on requirements to manage and execute the system level certification plans to ensure they are appropriately integrated and optimised in light of engineering delivery and discovery 

• Engage and liaise with regulatory authorities and certification bodies as part of the technical leadership team 

• Utilise new and existing technology, automation, AI etc to drive high-quality engineering delivery, deployed efficiently. 

• Drive engineering excellence across all disciplines 

• Support the creation of a culture of high performance, agility and innovation at Vertical, role modelling bold decision making and redefinition of best practices 

What you'll bring

Proven Engineering Leader

• Credible in eVTOL; deep aircraft integration and simulation experience

• Strong technical depth and hands-on leadership

Deep Sector Experience

• Aerospace background with full programme and certification exposure

• Comfortable in agile, fast-paced environments

Building the Function

• Built and led high-performing teams

• Delivered roadmaps aligned to business needs

Programme Management

• Led complex programmes; decisive and results-driven

Strategic Thinking

• Develops forward-looking roadmaps and plans

• Balances technical, commercial, and regulatory needs

Collaboration & Influence

• Engages and aligns stakeholders

• Builds trust, navigates conflict, and drives consensus

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.