Senior Operations Quality Engineer

Our Mission

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, our eVTOL (electric, vertical, take-off and landing), 'zero emissions' aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we will navigate the sky.

We won't realise our mission following the same legacy processes and traditions our predecessors followed, instead, we want to 'redefine' aerospace best practices. We are growing quickly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, and the next few years will be critical to our success and delivering on our ambitious goals. Valo is targeting airliner-level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.

What to expect

We’re looking for a Senior Operations Quality Engineer to join our team and ensure product and process quality on the shop floor and in manufacturing operations, and collaborate on problem solving and issue resolution from operational issues

The ideal candidate will have proven experience working within aerospace manufacturing and operations in a highly regulated POA and AS9100 environment. You will ensure our products and processes meet stringent aerospace industry, legal, regulatory, and customer requirements.

What you'll do

• Final inspections and process validation

• Not final release signatory, provision and oversight of certifying staff

• Support production during deviation / concession reviews

• Facilitate containment, root cause, and corrective actions for shop floor issues

• SPC (Statistical Process Control) implementation

• Conduct Quality Alerts and stop build reviews when necessary

• Provide quality support during new product introduction (NPI)

• Implement and manage quality systems such as quarantine, calibration, and NCR management.

• Provide quality technical input into MES/ERP processes for high-rate production readiness

• Reviewing and managing First Article Inspection (FAI) reports (AS9102)

• Nonconformance reports (NCRs) and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) documentation

• Manage in process inspection plans

• Quality performance metrics (scrap/rework, yield, defects per unit)

What you'll bring

• Proven track record in deploying operational quality systems/processes in aerospace production environments.

• Strong experience in Quality Systems and Control, with strong knowledge of POA, AS9100, ISO 9001, and aerospace compliance requirements and their implementation

• Internal auditing experience (ISO 9001; AS9100 preferred).

• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Proficiency in quality tools: APQP, FMEA (Design & Process), control plans, FAIRs, process flows, cost of quality.

• Knowledge of Six Sigma and problem-solving methodologies (Green Belt preferred).

• Deep understanding of CAA Part 21G regulatory requirements.

• Experience training and developing others.

• Knowledge of NADCAP requirements and special process audits.

• Degree or equivalent engineering qualification (HND/HNC).

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.