Advanced Structural Test Engineer

Job description

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 2029 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers. We're looking for an Advanced Structural Test Engineer to join our growing Test & Validation team. This is a hands-on engineering role where you'll take ownership of structural test campaigns from initial planning through to execution, analysis and reporting. Working from our Kemble facilities, you'll play a key role in delivering the physical evidence required to support aircraft development and certification. You'll work across a broad range of structural testing activities, from component-level investigations through to large-scale certification programmes, collaborating closely with Design, Stress, Airframe and Certification teams. What You'll Do - Lead the planning and execution of structural test campaigns across development and certification programmes - Own the setup, operation and troubleshooting of data acquisition and control systems, including MTS and LabVIEW platforms - Develop instrumentation strategies including strain gauge installation, rosettes, wiring, bonding and signal conditioning - Monitor test execution, validate real-time data and ensure safe and effective test delivery - Work closely with design and structural engineering teams to define test requirements and develop test rigs - Analyse test results and produce clear, traceable technical reports to support engineering and certification activities - Support the development and continuous improvement of testing processes, methodologies and standards - Mentor junior engineers and technicians, providing guidance on instrumentation, rig setup and test execution - Drive high standards of data quality, repeatability and technical excellence across all testing activities What You'll Bring Essential - Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline - Experience within structural test engineering, ideally gained within aerospace or another highly regulated engineering environment - Strong knowledge of data acquisition and control systems, including MTS FlexTest and/or LabVIEW - Hands-on experience with strain gauge installation, wiring, bonding and troubleshooting - Strong understanding of load measurement systems, calibration techniques and signal behaviour - Experience planning and executing both development and certification test programmes - Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced engineering environment Desirable - Experience supporting aerospace certification programmes under EASA and/or FAA regulations - Knowledge of rosette strain gauges, Wheatstone bridge circuits and signal noise reduction techniques - Understanding of uncertainty quantification and calibration traceability - Mechanical rig assembly and integration experience - Experience using MATLAB, Python, nCode or similar data analysis tools - Familiarity with CATIA V5, 3DEXPERIENCE or equivalent CAD software #LI-OS1 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.