VX4 Product Architect

We are seeking an exceptional individual to join Vertical Aerospace as VX4 Architect. Vertical is one of the world’s leading eVTOL businesses and a pioneer of this ground-breaking new segment, which marks the beginning of sustainable aviation. The role will be located in Bristol, UK.

This role will serve on the Chief Engineer’s team as a technical leader and integrator responsible for developing and managing the company’s technology and product roadmap, defining aircraft architectures through multi-disciplinary optimisation studies, and delivering aircraft-level conceptual and preliminary design definition for Vertical’s VX4 and derivative products.

This position will be at the leading-edge of eVTOL innovation with responsibility for flight system advancements for increasing levels of automation and pilot aids to optimise the energy management of electric and hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft to position Vertical Aircraft as best-in-class for current and future missions.

In this role there is a need to be be customer-facing in architecting flight systems and aircraft solutions for dual-use customers of the VX4.

This position will include managing the technology roadmap for developing and implementing Data Intelligence and Automation Tools and Methods to optimise process efficiency for development of software-intensive and highly integrated flight systems.

The VX4 Product Architect role is vital to Vertical’s mission to certify a VX4 aircraft and subsequent kits, derivatives, and modification that meet stringent safety and performance requirements within an efficient development timescale. This position will be accountable for overall execution of MDO for VX4 and derivative preliminary design phases, including execution to project schedule and cost and technical results integrated at the aircraft level measured against Key Performance Indicators.

About you:

We are looking for someone that 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 its benefits for society and sustainability.

Priorities:

The highly competitive global race is on to develop and certify electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft into a nascent market that will change how we travel. The aerospace industry is seeing the greatest disruption since the dawn of the jet-age, enabled by rapid advances in electrical technologies, lightweight composite materials and digital systems. Vertical has taken a differentiated approach to our principal competitors by partnering with world-class aerospace suppliers, accessing state-of-the-art technologies. However, our immediate and long-term success relies not only on these partnerships but also on our ability to build a second to none Engineering organisation to lead the aircraft design, test and certification activities effectively which blends the best of established aviation best practices and innovative practices of data computing technologies.

In this role, you will:

• Provide technical leadership and oversight across multiple aircraft systems (flight control systems, display systems, electric actuators, avionics, test systems) to define and manage technology and product roadmap

• Work closely with Commercial Team to link technology and product roadmap to customer applications

• Prioritise and execute trade studies for developing multi-disciplinary optimised solutions

• Work closely with chief engineer office to develop and improve analytical methods, models, and tools used for development of derivative aircraft fit for the purpose of specific customer missions including efficient use of digital twins.

• Work with Systems Engineering Team to develop and manage Conceptual and Preliminary Design technical baselines for derivative aircraft

• Create, develop, and manage Vertical’s MDO capabilities—people, tools, and processes—to deliver the preliminary design solution collaboratively with Vertical’s design teams.

• Work closely with Vertical’s Digital Innovations Team to create and implement Artificial Intelligence tools and methods to automate and optimise processes.

• Work side-by-side with Vertical’s VX4 architects and Program Management Team as a decision maker for VX4 multi-disciplinary trade studies with shared accountability for passing Gate Reviews.

• Participate in the process to develop aircraft- and system-level certification plans that are optimised for each derivative product.

• Serve as a valued member of Vertical’s Chief Engineer’s office which has overall responsibility for aircraft level technical solutions.

• Work with Vertical’s design teams to continuously improve engineering processes that strike a balance between agile engineering for rapid learning and rigorous development standards needed for certification and continued airworthiness.

• Effectively team up with the design teams and other members of the Vertical Leadership Team to balance and achieve company and business objectives.

Experience & Qualifications:

We seek an ambitious individual with a proven track record in the aerospace industry as an exceptionally organised self-starter who has led the technical integration on new aircraft programmes including experience with initial concept, preliminary design, and certification. You will have the technical background necessary to oversee all disciplines working within MDO and to develop digital tools for efficient and automated processes.

Additionally, you will have a strong organisational leadership pedigree within the context of a new aircraft development programme for overseeing highly talented and high-performing engineering organisations.

You will need:

• Expertise in multi-disciplinary integration and design optimisation within the context of a new aircraft development programme.

• Technical expertise in the physics and simulation modelling of VTOL, fixed wing, and tiltrotor aircraft.

• Proven expertise in project management for new aircraft development programs from initial concept through design and certification.

• Knowledge and experience in digital transformation projects, including an understanding of Artificial Intelligence methods and tools.

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of airworthiness requirements from CAA/FAA/EASA/other major civil aviation authorities is essential.

• An understanding of technical procedures related to the DOA.

• A proven skill at making difficult cross-functional disciplines in the presence of uncertainty.

• A demonstrable track record of managing high-performing teams.

• A core strength in leading and motivating highly innovative and technical teams, able to create differentiated value.

• The leadership capability to shape and deliver the company strategy as part of the engineering leadership team, serving as a true partner to colleagues across the business.

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.