Junior Systems 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 Engineer in the Flight Controls department, you will join the team responsible for the aircraft’s “brain”, the systems that keep the VX4 stable, safe and efficient. You will combine modelling, simulation and hardware integration to help make electric flight a reality.

One graduate will join Actuation Systems and another Flight Control Laws, depending on motivation, interests and where you will thrive. Whichever path you take, you will be immersed in hands on engineering from day one, learning from experts, solving challenges and seeing your work come to life.

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 will be doing

From day one, you will have meaningful responsibility. You will:

• Support the design, modelling and analysis of flight control systems including actuators, sensors and control electronics

• Assist in developing control laws and model-based design activities

• Contribute to requirements definition, allocation, verification and testing

• Participate in system integration, validation and performance analysis using simulation and flight test data

• Help improve efficiency through automation of testing and data analysis

Who we are looking for

We are looking for graduates who enjoy exploring technical challenges and want to help shape the future of flight.

You should have:

• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and Python

• A foundation in of control theory, system dynamics or mechatronics

• Interest in how hardware and software interact in safety critical systems

• Strong analytical and communication skills with a collaborative mindset

If you do not meet every requirement, that is okay. We value potential and a willingness to learn.

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 plus 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.