Advanced Structural Test 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 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 DoLead 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 with in structural test engineering, ideally gained within aerospace or another highly regulated engineering environment

Strong knowledge of data acquisition and control systems, including MTS Flex Test and/or LabVIEWHands-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, 3

DEXPERIENCE 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 king 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…