Overview

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The VX4, 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 of having the VX4 in service by 2030.

What to expect

As a Structural Test Engineer, you will join a growing team of passionate individuals whose primary focus is to plan, prepare, and execute structural tests that enable VX4 development and certification.

This is a role for someone who thrives in a hands-on environment, enjoys solving practical problems, and is motivated by seeing hardware tested to its limits. You’ll be working with rigs, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems on site, while supporting test planning and reporting as required.

If you like being close to the hardware, working across preparation, rigging, instrumentation, and test execution, this role is a great fit. Based mainly at Kemble with hybrid flexibility, you’ll work in our state-of-the-art facilities, with occasional remote work where appropriate.

What you'll do

• Plan, prepare, and execute structural test campaigns (static, fatigue, and development).
• Assemble, integrate, and operate structural test rigs and fixtures.
• Support commissioning and safe operation of DAQ and control systems (e.g. MTS, LabVIEW).
• Apply and troubleshoot instrumentation (strain gauges, load cells, LVDTs, displacement sensors) ensuring data quality.
• Conduct inspection and monitoring activities during testing to confirm safety and structural integrity.
• Capture test data, prepare reports, and support certification traceability.
• Collaborate closely with design and systems teams to define test requirements and ensure test readiness.
• You will deliver static, fatigue, and kinematic analysis (FEA + hand calcs) for test rigs.
• You will work with design engineers to ensure rigs are fit-for-purpose and meet all certification requirements.
• You will support rig assembly and integration on site, working closely with technicians to bring designs to life.

What you'll bring

• You'll be a UK based candidate or already posses right to work in the UK
• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (BEng or higher) or equivalent experience.
• Ideally 5+ years experience in aerospace test engineering or structural analysis/design.
• Hands-on experience assembling or commissioning test rigs.
• FEA experience (Altair Hypermesh, Abaqus, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with DAQ/control systems (MTS, LabVIEW, or similar)

Desirable

• Experience in certification test environments (EASA/FAA).
• Knowledge of fatigue/static test methods.
• Basic ability to support test planning with FEA or hand calcs (not the core of the role).
• Familiarity with rig assembly methods, workshop tools, and prototype structures.
• Experience with data post-processing (nCode, MATLAB) and CAD (Catia V5 / 3DEXPERIENCE).

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

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.