Rig Test Team Lead

We are looking for a Rig Test Team Lead who will:

Enjoy working with a world class team comprised of leading aerospace and technology thinkers as well as some of the finest engineering talent. Of course, you will possess or be able to rapidly adopt a passion for sustainable aviation and it’s benefits for both society and sustainability.

Vertical is a values-led business that embraces diversity in all its forms in particular diversity of thought. Vertical is committed to building an industry leading team offering global perspectives that represent the communities it serves.

The responsibilities and duties of the Rig Team Lead will be as follows:

This role will serve as a key focal of the Test Rigs Team to plan, prepare and execute various tests on the aircraft’s systems and structure. In this role you will:

• Lead the collaborative planning, delivery and reporting for company rig test activities. Likely rigs include, structural, propulsion, sub-assembly, “Ironbird” type, and whole-aircraft setups
• Have line management responsibilities for a small multi-skilled team and will drive recruitment of the team over time.
• Reporting to the Head of Development and Test, you’ll be required to forecast near term resource, equipment, facility, skills and capital requirements, whist supporting the creation of longer term test portfolios
• Be responsible for creating and ensuring the team follow standard processes and procedures, crucially as the company moves towards certification
• Work closely with the Integrated Labs Team Lead within the Test organisation to ensure a consistency between the “physical” and “digital” activities
• Determination of safety provisions required for rig build and operations, whilst being a role model of the company’s safety-first culture
• Working close with Rig Designers, Stress Engineers, Test Requestors and external supplier to determine the best rig solutions
• Lead test operations in deployed locations, away from normal operating base and when required to travel and work extended hours. Working with a variety of teams and technicians
• As required assist with other, non-rig, test planning and activities, this could also involve flight test support

The successful Rig Team Lead will have the following Experiences & Qualifications:

We seek a unique individual, with a real “can do attitude” and team leader personality.   A career background in specialist test environments would be particularly advantageous, together with an interest in green technology and/or aviation. You will need:

• A demonstrable track record of delivering test objectives on plan and budget.
• The ability to co-ordinate a team to deliver exceptional rig solutions than meet or exceed the customers’ requirements
• Experience leading and growing small multidisciplinary team
• Be comfortable working with ambiguity in requirements, we’re working on new technology in a new mode of transportation, it’s part of the challenge
• A strength in multi-discipling working and the ability to create strong comradery within the team
• Must have been actively involved in previous test activities (design/commissioning/execution/etc), to have an appreciation of the teams day-to-day
• The technical understanding to convert the test customers’ requests, into a physical rig that delivers the requirements and has room for future growth
• Previous experience on rapid development programmes, maturing new technologies is beneficial
• Possess a great understanding of aerospace testing methods, instrumentation/calibration requirements, health and safety considerations, data acquisition and certification/qualification based activities
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with numerous internal and external stakeholders, with a passion for delivery
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of levels and technical disciplines
• Previous experienced with standard laboratory and workshop tools
• Competent with Microsoft Applications and IT proficient
• Experience reviewing and signing off complex technical reports, including test plans
• Professional qualification: Relevant Engineer Degree (BEng or Higher)
• Professional experience: At least 6 years’ experience in a high-tech test engineering environment (aerospace, automotive etc.)
• Desired experience: Electric Motor and Propulsion Rig experience desirable

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