Junior Stress 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 Aciturri.

The Opportunity

As a Graduate Stress Engineer within our Airframe team, you’ll be part of the group responsible for ensuring the VX4’s structure is strong, safe, and ready for flight. The Airframe department at Vertical is where innovation meets precision - bringing together composite and metallic design, testing, and analysis to deliver world-class structural performance.

You’ll work alongside experienced engineers to analyse, model, and test critical components of the aircraft. From hands-on analysis to developing your technical judgement, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how structure, aerodynamics, and materials interact to make sustainable flight a reality.

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 engineering challenges by:

• Performing hand calculations and numerical static and fatigue analyses on composite and metallic structures.

• Supporting the creation, validation, and interpretation of finite element (FE) models for components and assemblies.

• Collaborating with Design, Manufacturing, and Test Engineers to develop and validate robust structural solutions.

• Participating in structural testing and correlating results with analysis to confirm performance and safety.

• Continuously improving analysis methods, tools, and processes to increase accuracy and efficiency.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for graduates who are curious, analytical, and ready to grow in a fast-paced environment:

• A degree (or final year of study) in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering (or equivalent).

• A logical and methodical approach to problem-solving with the ability to apply engineering fundamentals to real-world structures.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with confidence in interpreting data and validating models.

• A collaborative mindset with a willingness to learn from and contribute to multidisciplinary teams.

• Familiarity with finite element analysis tools (e.g. NASTRAN, Abaqus, HyperMesh) and an understanding of structural mechanics and materials behaviour.

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, learnings 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.