Prototype Battery Build Technician

Our new facility near to Hallen, Avonmouth will be the principle working location.

Vertical Aerospace is building technology to revolutionise how people fly. Our mission is to make air travel personal, on-demand and carbon-free.

We are currently entering a phase of expansion with the objective of rapidly bringing competitive product(s) to market. As part of this expansion, we are looking for technicians to join the Battery team at Vertical Aerospace. 

We are looking for 3 experienced Build Technicians with high quality mechanical and/or electrical skills.  The mechanical/electrical bias of the role will depend on your skillset – it is preferable but not essential to be skilled in both.  You will be required to assist in all aspects of work at our new battery development centre which is being established to test and build prototype batteries.  A real “can do attitude” is required and the candidate must be happy working with minimal guidance and supervision, the role will be varied and challenging at times.  

The responsibilities and duties of the Prototype Battery Build Technician will be as follows:

• Carrying out the prototype build of high voltage (HV) battery packs, including battery modules, bus-bars and electronic components.
• Carrying out the assembly of mechanical and electrical components to technical drawings or finding their own effective solutions to required tasks whilst still working to high quality standards
• Set-up and operation of automated cell welding equipment, adhesive dispense equipment and other robot stations
• Ensuring all appropriate paperwork or recording is completed and maintained (job cards, tech logs, tech library, ERP system entries… etc)
• Manual fabrication and modification of components using common workshop equipment
• Occasional site facilities maintenance as and when required
• Daily health checks, equipment/rig maintenance and fault diagnostics
• Battery pack teardown, inspection and fault analysis
• Feedback into the design team on process, results and next steps
• Defect tracking and fault diagnosis
• Maintaining a high standard of tool cleanliness and control throughout the workshop assembly areas
• General assistance on-site, taking delivery of items, stores work, ordering equipment
• Ability to work cross functionally within the Battery team, supporting other activities as required
• You may be required to work a shift system for high load periods within the business

The successful Prototype Battery Build Technician will have the following Experiences & Qualifications:

• Have experience of working with and around high voltage (HV) batteries
• Have hands-on experience of the assembly of high voltage batteries
• Would have both mechanical and electrical skills
• Have an automotive, industrial or aerospace background.
• Have experience with the operation of automated machinery as well as being proficient and confident with various hand tools and power tools.
• Should have very good attention to detail and can operate to challenging deadlines without compromising standards or quality.
• Have a good working knowledge of electrical schematics and technical assembly drawings.
• Would have experience with wiring, crimping, soldering etc.
• Can work autonomously and safely.
• Happy to travel between Avonmouth, Bristol and other VA locations and stay away for short periods if required
• Trained to deal with high-voltage components, including Authorised Person (AP) and Senior Authorised Person (SAP) training

This is an on-going advert and interviews will be held on an ad-hoc basis until sufficient applications have been received.