Junior Design Engineer

Make your mark on the future of flight as a 2026 Vertical Aerospace Graduate hire

At Vertical Aerospace, we are redefining flight for a cleaner, quieter and more connected world.

We are developing the VX4, the UK’s first fully electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. With zero operating emissions and advanced design, the VX4 will transform how people travel - faster, greener and safer.

Founded in 2016, Vertical is now one of the world’s leading eVTOL developers, with a pre-order book including Japan Airlines, American Airlines, and strong industrial partners such as Honeywell and Aciduria.

The Opportunity

As a Graduate Design Engineer within our Airframe team, you’ll join the engineers shaping the structure and architecture of the VX4. The Airframe team brings together specialists in design, stress, and manufacturing to turn innovative concepts into practical, certifiable, and manufacturable components.

You’ll contribute to the 3D design and integration of the VX4’s primary and secondary structures - blending creativity with precision. Working alongside experienced engineers, you’ll help solve complex design challenges, optimise for performance and safety, and ensure our aircraft is as efficient to build as it is to fly.

This is more than a first job; it’s an opportunity to join a team of engineers shaping the next era of sustainable aviation. You’ll be surrounded by mentors, immersed in real projects from day one, and challenged to think boldly as we transform electric propulsion from concept to certified reality.

What you’ll do

From day one, you’ll contribute to real design engineering projects by:

• Creating model-based 3D definitions and supporting the development of the engineering dataset.

• Solving physical integration challenges between systems, structures, and interfacing components.

• Integrating system components into the airframe for optimal accessibility, maintainability, and performance.

• Collaborating with Stress and Manufacturing Engineers to deliver efficient and certifiable designs.

• Supporting the creation of detailed CAD models and engineering drawings to meet design and certification requirements.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for graduates who are creative, analytical, and excited to help design the next generation of aircraft:

• A degree (or final year of study) in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering, and familiarity with CAD tools such as CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks.

• A proactive, solution-focused approach with the ability to apply engineering fundamentals to real-world design challenges.

• Strong analytical and logical thinking for evaluating design data and supporting optimisation decisions.

• A curious mindset, eager to learn, challenge assumptions, and contribute innovative ideas.

• Collaboration skills and enthusiasm for working across Stress, Systems, and Manufacturing Engineering teams.

Why join Vertical?

You will join a supportive, inclusive team working on one of the most exciting challenges in aerospace today. Expect mentoring from experienced engineers, real responsibility and the chance to make an impact from day one.

Every day at Vertical is an opportunity to learn, collaborate and shape the future of sustainable flight.

What happens next

Apply: Include your CV with a short cover letter at the top inclusive of:

• Why Vertical?

• A project you are proud of (including but not limited to your role, learning and outcome, max 200 words)

• How and where you have applied engineering principles outside of academia

• How you stay organised within time-critical projects (max 200 words)

First stage: 30-minute video screening interview with a Talent Acquisition Partner.
Final stage: Onsite group assessment exercise and one-to-one technical interview.

The above will take place between November & December, with offers being made to successful candidates before the end of the year. We will keep you updated throughout the process.

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.