Propulsion Test Engineer

Vertical Aerospace is building technology to revolutionise how people fly with a vision of electric flight for everyone. 

More about the team you will be joining as Advanced Propulsion Test Engineer 

Vertical Aerospace is growing its existing Test team in preparation for an exciting novel aircraft development programme.  Part of this expansion is to bring in an experienced, passionate, and driven Advanced Propulsion Test Engineer.  The role will be crucial in Vertical’s programme delivery, developing various rigs to provide crucial data to support the aircraft design, technology development and certification workstreams.  The work will involve gathering rig requirements, down selecting solutions, driving the build and commissioning of the rig, to ultimately running the asset to meet the objectives to the required standard and on-time/budget.  

My Impact as an Advanced Propulsion Test Engineer 

The Advanced Propulsion Test Engineer reports to the Propulsion Test Team Lead, and will be predominantly based at out Kemble Test Facility. 

The successful candidate will be able to work in dynamic innovative teams, building positive working environments and diplomatically resolving challenges to programme delivery.  Some elements of “hands on” work will be expected, with the assistance of our skilled technicians. 

What success will look like for the Advanced Propulsion Test Engineer 

• Being an integral part of a collaborative planning, delivery and reporting for company’s propulsion rig test activities.  Likely rigs include various propulsion, sub-assembly, “iron bird”, and whole-aircraft setups 

• Working with internal engineering teams to determine rig requirements, appropriate test methods and test rig solution 

• Development of test rig software, electrical hardware, human machine interfaces and data management systems 

• Determination of safety provisions required for rig operations, whilst being a role model of the company’s safety-first culture 

• Leading test operations in a dynamic, responsive environment at Vertical’s Ground Test Facility, in support of our ambitious Flight Test Program, and at other locations as required. 

• As required assist with other, non-rig, test planning and activities, this could also involve flight test support 

Everything sounds very interesting but how do I know this is the role for me?  

We are looking for people that will have the following qualifications and experiences:  

• Previous experience on rapid development programmes, maturing new technologies 

• A great understanding of aerospace testing methods, instrumentation/calibration requirements, health and safety considerations, data acquisition and certification based activities 

• Experience in electrical hardware specification and design (actuator control, data acquisition and electrical power supply and distribution) 

• Possess an understanding of common digital communication protocols (CANbus, ARINC 429 etc) and analogue-to-digital conversion for various sensor/IO types. 

• Establishing and maintaining relationships with numerous internal and external stakeholders, with a passion for deliver 

• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines 

• Be fluent in spoken and written English language 

• Experienced with standard laboratory and workshop tools 

• Competent with National Instruments Hardware and Software (Labview/VeriStand/Diadem) 

• Competent with Microsoft Applications and IT proficient including a basic knowledge of Networking and programming (such as MATLAB or Python) 

• Basic understanding of aircraft, the physics of flight, operations and/or aerodynamics. 

• Technical report writing, including test plans 

• Qualification and experiment requirements (must have): 

• Engineering or Science degree (BEng or higher) 

• At least 5 years experience in a high tech test engineering environment 

Experience of the following is desired: 

• Previous experience with electric aircraft and/or VTOLs or electric propulsion 

• Developing test assets to support aircraft/vehicle certification 

• Electro-mechanical systems integration experience 

• Hands on electrical working experience, with both LV & HV systems 

• Hands on mechanical experience, building up assemblies of components. 

• Software and configuration management using GITHUB or similar tools 

• CAD familiarity (CATIA/3DX preferably) for interrogating digital models 

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 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.